On-line sites requiring proof of identity - is this normal?
By katsalot1
@katsalot1 (1618)
October 13, 2009 2:45pm CST
I was going to join Shutterstock (to submit photos to sell)- I'd filled in my name and address, then it went to a page wanting a copy of my passport for proof of identity. This put me right off. I found that very worrying. Is this normal now? Have you ever been asked for proof of identity to join a publishing site or any other site?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
14 Oct 09
Pretty strange; I've never encountered anything like that. But perhaps legit sites sometimes require such. Why not you try asking the members there whom are regulars? Perhaps they can provide some kind of assurance before you start to do anything. Don't submit anything first without researching aite. Hope you can get this matter resolved.
@katsalot1 (1618)
•
14 Oct 09
It does seem to be a legitimate site, but I'm still not going to join because I don't think that requesting that information is right or necessary.
1 person likes this
@shalli17here (627)
• Indonesia
25 Oct 09
Hi katsalot
hmm..i've never been in that situation before, else than AlertPay. Maybe Shutterstock is a very professional site, and it really needs the proof of identity so they really know who is the photograph, and if the pictures submitted are really theirs. Something like a copyrights proof of identity.
But i really don't have a clue. What if you join DeviantArt ? i think it's the best picture publishing site!
1 person likes this
@katsalot1 (1618)
•
25 Oct 09
I have looked at DeviantArt, the things on there look really good. I couldn't find much info on how to join, and I'm not sure if my photos are good enough - I will have another look though.
@ciocan_66 (91)
• Romania
13 Oct 09
yes i was asked for proof of identity! i got worried and i looked up on the internet about that site! they were scamers who need a phpto of you to counterfeit driver licenses passports ID's etc
1 person likes this
@katsalot1 (1618)
•
13 Oct 09
Was it the Shutterstock or another site? I can't think of any legitimate reason for them needing that information.
@chandramoulee (67)
• India
14 Oct 09
Asking for proof is not a normal one... Usually online earning deals with normal sign up and earning. Till now I have not come accross one such incident...
@katsalot1 (1618)
•
14 Oct 09
This is the first time I have encountered this requesting proof of identity. I did wonder whether it has to do with new tax laws or something, but still can't see that it would be necessary.
