Give an ID to client

Anybody care to comment.

What kind of ID? Are you talking about sending the buyer a scan/photocopy of your government issued photo ID?

I've never had to do that on oDesk, but I can imagine that some larger companies might require identity verification to release funds due to strict financial policies.

In general, I wouldn't send that information to people I don't know and trust (to avoid identity theft). But I don't know your particular circumstances. Has the buyer explained why they need it? Are you able to verify the legitimacy of the buyer's company?

Anyone else ever been in this situation or able to offer advice?

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Jacqui Pittenger
oDesk Help Writer & Forum Moderator :: Need help? Check out the Help Center - http://www.odesk.com/help

For me, I am strongly against giving a copy of the ID to the client. I have not encountered any job here that requires me to give a photocopy of my ID.

I have heard a lot of identity theft real stories. I read one in the latest copy of Reader's Digest Asia this month where the lady had her wallet stolen - and her identity. When her identity was stolen numerous purchases were billed to her by the impostor. Her bank accounts were emptied as well. Several credit accounts were also opened without her consent. Even when the case was solved and the impostor put behind bars, the billings continued - her identity was probably "sold out". That incident happened in the US.

With our funds being online on the web, it is also possible that someone might take advantage of your identity as well.

If they want to be assured that they are hiring a real live person then I think outsourcing jobs may not be a suitable option for their job opening. If I were to encounter this (being asked for an ID) myself, I'd rather consider other jobs instead.

Gem