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Uploading a Gov't ID?

December 27, 2024 10:37PM
I was just completing an application for an MSC that is new to me and the last thing they ask for is for the applicant to upload a copy of their official Gov't ID.
This, to remain in their file, regardless of whether you ever work with them or not.
In this era of identity theft, hacked records, stolen documents....I am very hesitant.
I clicked out of it.
I know, I know there will be those who say who cares, they can already get what they want on the dark web?
I say, why help them further?
My ID is the one of the most important things I own.
I have to show it before I check into a hotel, but the hotel doesn't keep a copy.
If the MSC is going to send me into certain situations, I would prefer to discuss it at that time...not keep a copy forever when I don't even know this company.
Do you routinely hand over your ID to any of these companies?
The most invasive I believe I've encountered thus far is a physical description or a photo....I understand those. I've provided those.
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December 27, 2024 10:41PM
I have uploaded mine. Anywhere I have ever worked has a copy, the bank has a copy, the hospital and doctor office has a copy...this list goes on and on. These companies also have our SS#.
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December 27, 2024 10:47PM
yes, they need our SS# to pay us, but I would guess only want Drivers License # or similar, to check criminal records?
I can help them with that in other ways.
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December 27, 2024 10:56PM
any reason we are not naming the MSC? I agree it's not something they need to see. Maybe if they asked for a picture so they know who you are if reviewing video from a contested shop.

But they do not need driver's license.

weren't there those crustacean shops awhile back where you had to take a selfie in front of the sign? I know some people had issues with that too.
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December 28, 2024 01:43AM
I can see the age limited shops asking for a copy to prove you're in the reqired demographic. Like under 30 for tobacco or alcohol purchase shops, or over 65 for other shops. But I agree. It should be shop specific.

And they should be able to run a background check with your name and ssn.
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December 28, 2024 01:45AM
It's not me/us, but...I would expect shoppers will start seeing this more and more from the MSC's as we work to battle fraud (criminals are so creative).

It is unlikely that any MSC is running a background check as that should/would be disclosed during the sign-up process, it's more likely that it is another layer to help combat fraud and verify the person signing up is who they say they are.

Those companies that will retain (we do this for the theatre shops under our sister portal) are likely implementing these procedures themselves. I know there is at least one other MSC that uses a service to verify identity, but uncertain if they actually retain the ID within their system or if it's confirmed third party and noted within the system as a "checked" item.

.
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December 28, 2024 02:17AM
Thaks Sherri.
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December 28, 2024 02:17AM
The MSC is Consultants for Long Term Care. I see they have very recently advertised here looking for shoppers.

If they want to verify that I am who I say I am, we can conduct a tele interview. I can hold up my ID so they can see it's me in the ID photo.
To store it on their website is just another level that concerns me.
I can vouch for other companies that use a third party system.
It's my opinion that their need for verification is running up against my right to privacy.
Going forward if more MSCs try this, I think we'll need to meet in the middle or part ways.
I have to upload a govt ID for my bank, but I at least know that my bank is regulated by some level of professional security - vs. some small business? I doubt it.
Ok, I've said my piece...time to move on lol.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/2024 02:21AM by BarefootBliss.
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December 28, 2024 03:17AM
I've uploaded a picture of my ID to a couple MSC's, reluctantly. Not that it doesn't make me uncomfortable, but I think it may be or become a necessary evil. I don't like giving my SS# either, but that I at least understand.
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December 28, 2024 03:20AM
Okie, you're in Texas with no state income tax. Maybe Oklahoma has one? I understand you're just contributing.
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December 28, 2024 03:25AM
@BarefootBliss wrote:

The MSC is Consultants for Long Term Care. I see they have very recently advertised here looking for shoppers.

If they want to verify that I am who I say I am, we can conduct a tele interview. I can hold up my ID so they can see it's me in the ID photo.
To store it on their website is just another level that concerns me.
I can vouch for other companies that use a third party system.
It's my opinion that their need for verification is running up against my right to privacy.
Going forward if more MSCs try this, I think we'll need to meet in the middle or part ways.
I have to upload a govt ID for my bank, but I at least know that my bank is regulated by some level of professional security - vs. some small business? I doubt it.
Ok, I've said my piece...time to move on lol.

And I believe I've never heard of this MSC. And ive done multiple long term care shops. Perhaphs they want proof youre old enough to have a parent needind long term care. But IMHA it should be job specific not life long

Just don't do their shops.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/2024 04:05AM by wrosie.
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December 28, 2024 04:14AM
Okie,
Why would you declare residency in a state you have to pay taxes to if you can declare in a state you dont have to.

It boggles my mind. Or your my sister with no common sense.

Sorry if that hurts but IMHO it's the truth.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/2024 04:15AM by wrosie.
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December 28, 2024 07:19AM
I generally have waited to upload this type of information with a new company until I have found they had a job I wanted to apply for. Once that happens I am an independent contractor or theirs and in my life experience when I contract to work for some one they need my id. Most of these companies have a secure website. I have seen huge well regarded and secure companies be hacked so that seems to be a way of life these days. There are plenty of msc that do not ask for an iD so you can still work elsewhere if you do not agree with their rules.
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December 28, 2024 01:54PM
of course. Like almost everything else in life, we can vote with our time, our wallets, our attention or lack thereof.
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December 28, 2024 02:28PM
agree

Shopping Eastern Pennsylvania since 2009
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December 28, 2024 11:36PM
when I see government ID, I am stopping such application

Shopping Eastern Pennsylvania since 2009
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December 29, 2024 03:37AM
No harm no fowl I think is what the youngsters say. If you live in Dallas and win $1 million in Oklahoma, i have no clue on the tax repercussions. I was just thinking day to day earnings.
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December 29, 2024 03:51AM
@Okie. Tax situations like this are so,so common and everyday.
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December 29, 2024 03:53AM
If I felt I had to in order to get a coveted job, I would do so and block out my license number. So far, I have not. The furthest I have gone is uploading a picture of myself for high end luxury shops.
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December 29, 2024 12:42PM
I never thought of that - could block key info so all they see is the pic, which is fine.
Just strikes me odd. I used to shop kid's daycare centers and even they didn't make me show that kind of ID.
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January 05, 2025 02:13AM
There are two MSCs that are now asking for your government ID and your voice reading a small script uploaded in order to be accepted for shops. I used to do a lot of shops for the 1st MSC, but I stopped after this requirement.
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January 05, 2025 11:40AM
I did upload the ID picture for the companies that asked, I didn't like it, but I did do it. But I won't record my voice for them or anyone else. The phone company keep trying to get me to use a voice print to access my account, and I will NOT do it.
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