As far as I can tell, all a photo id shows them is that I am in possession of the id. They can't compare that photo to my face, which they cannot see. It also gives them a remarkable amount of additional information. If my own common sense were not smacking me in the head, a news story I saw about people getting their identity stolen after faxing ids in connection with job postings might have caused a red flag or two.
In addition, I have a rather uncommon name, with a rather uncommon spelling. I live in an uncommonly named area and bank at a bank with only two branches. If they had someone who appeared to be the same person, the heck with proving who I am — I want to know who that person is. Has my identity already been stolen? Was this a sophisticated phishing scheme? Had I signed up years ago with a cutesy poker name that doesn't sound familiar to me?
I wrote back and shared my concerns. I told them I would need a little more information before I was willing to fax something as open to identity theft as a photo id. It took a couple of emails to make the point.
I learned that, according to the "security" department, I had logged on 7 times (yes, it had been that many in an effort to work it out) from a computer previously used by SuitedAK. My computer? My laptop that travels with me everywhere? SuitedAK would get to it how again?
I checked with my favorite techie about the chances that my computer would appear to them exactly like some other computer. He told me it was not likely. At best, I was using the same IP. I use Sprint Wireless from whatever part of the country I am in. Hard to believe that SuitedAK and I were the only users of Sprint Wireless.
Article comments
1 - Dave Nalle
You had to pay 9% to GIVE them your money to hold? That's outrageous.
Dave
2 - Justene
I could have avoided the fee by waiting 4-5 days for the check to clear. I think it is almost impossible to use credit cards at online gambling sites and that 9% covers bounced checks if they don't wait for clearance. I was on vacation and wanted to play the satellite to the World Championship Of Online Poker so it was an expense that I was willing to pay.
It ended up adding to the frustration when I could not play.
3 - Eugene
"I also played the "lawyer card". I hate doing that..."
I used to do that all the time not really even having a lawyer, until I put myself in the position to say that and have it be true. I can now say "You will be hearing from my lawyer" over a $10 issue and know that they will hear from my lawyer. Look at http://gotlawyer.ejtholdings.net for more info.
4 - Search Guy
Do you think that searchable websites that display 'public records' (like unlisted phone numbers, actual addresses) should be illegal? Don't these types of 'public data' servers help out committers of theft identity?
BEWARE, search engines/portals are listing your private data (it is definitely unethical to post peoples addresses and other personal data), people can attain this data to assist them with IDENTITY THEM (stollen identities).
People do not know that if you even simply register to vote or request to join the army/military in USA, you name/address/telephone are made public information (muti billion dollar industry selling our private info) without you having to sign a consent form or without asking permission! Even where you buy a internet domain name (lease actually, no single person actually owns a domain name, even Bill Gates does not own Microsoft.com), your address, name and telephone number are added to public records that anyone with an internet connection can retrieve this data to harrass you or even SPAM you (don't forget that deranged cyberstalkers can find you now)!
Some Sites Showing Private/Personal Data (many without persons consent or knowledge):
http://zabbasearch.sirseek.com (follow link on page)
http://ussearch.com