Should I provide my photo ID to a recruiter? [duplicate]

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  • Why do recruiters ask for ID and/or references?

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A third-party recruiter reached out to me for a job at a tech company. After receiving my resume, the recruiter said that the company (which he named) has requested my photo ID.



The company seems to be fairly well-known, but I've never heard of this particular recruiter before. In either case I'm not comfortable e-mailing my photo ID, especially at this point.



What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?



(The related question asked about references and IDs, and the comments mostly did not address IDs.)







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marked as duplicate by DJClayworth, JB King, Jim G., gnat, Dawny33 Nov 27 '15 at 1:03


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    up vote
    3
    down vote

    favorite













    This question already has an answer here:



    • Why do recruiters ask for ID and/or references?

      7 answers



    A third-party recruiter reached out to me for a job at a tech company. After receiving my resume, the recruiter said that the company (which he named) has requested my photo ID.



    The company seems to be fairly well-known, but I've never heard of this particular recruiter before. In either case I'm not comfortable e-mailing my photo ID, especially at this point.



    What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?



    (The related question asked about references and IDs, and the comments mostly did not address IDs.)







    share|improve this question














    marked as duplicate by DJClayworth, JB King, Jim G., gnat, Dawny33 Nov 27 '15 at 1:03


    This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
















      up vote
      3
      down vote

      favorite









      up vote
      3
      down vote

      favorite












      This question already has an answer here:



      • Why do recruiters ask for ID and/or references?

        7 answers



      A third-party recruiter reached out to me for a job at a tech company. After receiving my resume, the recruiter said that the company (which he named) has requested my photo ID.



      The company seems to be fairly well-known, but I've never heard of this particular recruiter before. In either case I'm not comfortable e-mailing my photo ID, especially at this point.



      What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?



      (The related question asked about references and IDs, and the comments mostly did not address IDs.)







      share|improve this question















      This question already has an answer here:



      • Why do recruiters ask for ID and/or references?

        7 answers



      A third-party recruiter reached out to me for a job at a tech company. After receiving my resume, the recruiter said that the company (which he named) has requested my photo ID.



      The company seems to be fairly well-known, but I've never heard of this particular recruiter before. In either case I'm not comfortable e-mailing my photo ID, especially at this point.



      What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?



      (The related question asked about references and IDs, and the comments mostly did not address IDs.)





      This question already has an answer here:



      • Why do recruiters ask for ID and/or references?

        7 answers









      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Nov 27 '15 at 1:24









      Jim G.

      11.8k105373




      11.8k105373










      asked Nov 26 '15 at 17:01









      Shawn V. Wilson

      8641618




      8641618




      marked as duplicate by DJClayworth, JB King, Jim G., gnat, Dawny33 Nov 27 '15 at 1:03


      This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.






      marked as duplicate by DJClayworth, JB King, Jim G., gnat, Dawny33 Nov 27 '15 at 1:03


      This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.






















          4 Answers
          4






          active

          oldest

          votes

















          up vote
          6
          down vote













          I would say this is not common and that I would be concerned about this being fraudulent in order to facilitate identity theft. Unless I had approached the recruiter and not the other way around, I would be carefully checking out the contact details and emails to make sure this wasn't fraud.



          If it is a reputable recruiter that you approached, I would ask if it can be delayed until a later stage in the process -- while you will probably need to provide ID to the employer at some point, that point is not necessarily now.






          share|improve this answer






















          • identity theft, or perhaps to try and determine your ethnicity or something more unsavoury
            – Kilisi
            Nov 26 '15 at 21:39

















          up vote
          2
          down vote













          I've heard some people argue that providing a copy of your ID is in order to help them with their background checks. I don't swallow this, however. (the following reasoning is based simply on my own opinion, I have no sources to back this up)



          Copy of your ID



          In Canada, for example, it's illegal to discriminate against a possible candidate based on age, race, skin color, gender, religion, etc. Sometimes you can tell "who you're dealing with" simply by looking at the name on the resume - but that's tricky in such a multicultural society as Canada - and the US - have become.



          So instead, they may ask you for a copy of your ID to "help with the background check". It has your picture, birthday, etc. ... personally I think that's information which could be used to discriminate against you without your knowledge.



          I would flat out refuse:




          I'm sorry, but I have never provided an employer with a copy of my personal ID, and I'm not about to do so now. I have had companies conduct background checks without this information, and I see no reason why it would be needed in this case either.




          (If he pushes you simply state that's it's a matter of personal privacy, and it's non-negotiable)



          Note: you risk being rejected by the recruiter for refusing.



          References



          You've already read up on how recruiters will sometimes use your references to try and expand their list of contacts. I would refuse to provide those until you've touched base with someone from the company and know for a fact that you're a contender for the position.



          Good luck!






          share|improve this answer
















          • 1




            The only reasonable requirement for photo (outside of acting etc) would be if you where going for a job requiring security clearance,
            – Pepone
            Nov 26 '15 at 19:54

















          up vote
          2
          down vote














          What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?




          Pretty small. I've never been asked for a photo ID by a recruiter. Unless your a model or actor, I cannot think of a reason any recruiter would ever need a photo ID.



          If you are interested in working with the company, ask why they need a photo ID. If they don't give you a reasonable answers, then go your separate ways.






          share|improve this answer



























            up vote
            1
            down vote













            This sounds remarkably dodgy to me. I have had to give photo ID before to a recruiter, but it was for a security-restricted role and I had met the (reputable) recruiter in their inner city offices. You don't state if you've met the recruiter in person in their offices, but I would be cautious of giving over this information if you doubt the legitimacy of the recruiter.



            What I would suggest is:



            • Ask the recruiter for the contact name and email address (an internal company email address for the person who has requested the ID.

            • Ring the company on their public line, and ask to speak to the person. If they say they don't work there, then you have your first red flag.

            • If you can talk to the person, ask about the request your received from the recruiter. Verify they asked for it.

            • If this person has verified that yes, they asked for it, you can email it directly to them.

            • Notify the recruiter you have passed on the required information.

            If the recruiter refuses to give this information, then I would be very, very cautious about proceeding.






            share|improve this answer





























              4 Answers
              4






              active

              oldest

              votes








              4 Answers
              4






              active

              oldest

              votes









              active

              oldest

              votes






              active

              oldest

              votes








              up vote
              6
              down vote













              I would say this is not common and that I would be concerned about this being fraudulent in order to facilitate identity theft. Unless I had approached the recruiter and not the other way around, I would be carefully checking out the contact details and emails to make sure this wasn't fraud.



              If it is a reputable recruiter that you approached, I would ask if it can be delayed until a later stage in the process -- while you will probably need to provide ID to the employer at some point, that point is not necessarily now.






              share|improve this answer






















              • identity theft, or perhaps to try and determine your ethnicity or something more unsavoury
                – Kilisi
                Nov 26 '15 at 21:39














              up vote
              6
              down vote













              I would say this is not common and that I would be concerned about this being fraudulent in order to facilitate identity theft. Unless I had approached the recruiter and not the other way around, I would be carefully checking out the contact details and emails to make sure this wasn't fraud.



              If it is a reputable recruiter that you approached, I would ask if it can be delayed until a later stage in the process -- while you will probably need to provide ID to the employer at some point, that point is not necessarily now.






              share|improve this answer






















              • identity theft, or perhaps to try and determine your ethnicity or something more unsavoury
                – Kilisi
                Nov 26 '15 at 21:39












              up vote
              6
              down vote










              up vote
              6
              down vote









              I would say this is not common and that I would be concerned about this being fraudulent in order to facilitate identity theft. Unless I had approached the recruiter and not the other way around, I would be carefully checking out the contact details and emails to make sure this wasn't fraud.



              If it is a reputable recruiter that you approached, I would ask if it can be delayed until a later stage in the process -- while you will probably need to provide ID to the employer at some point, that point is not necessarily now.






              share|improve this answer














              I would say this is not common and that I would be concerned about this being fraudulent in order to facilitate identity theft. Unless I had approached the recruiter and not the other way around, I would be carefully checking out the contact details and emails to make sure this wasn't fraud.



              If it is a reputable recruiter that you approached, I would ask if it can be delayed until a later stage in the process -- while you will probably need to provide ID to the employer at some point, that point is not necessarily now.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48









              Community♦

              1




              1










              answered Nov 26 '15 at 21:15









              jmoreno

              7,9271840




              7,9271840











              • identity theft, or perhaps to try and determine your ethnicity or something more unsavoury
                – Kilisi
                Nov 26 '15 at 21:39
















              • identity theft, or perhaps to try and determine your ethnicity or something more unsavoury
                – Kilisi
                Nov 26 '15 at 21:39















              identity theft, or perhaps to try and determine your ethnicity or something more unsavoury
              – Kilisi
              Nov 26 '15 at 21:39




              identity theft, or perhaps to try and determine your ethnicity or something more unsavoury
              – Kilisi
              Nov 26 '15 at 21:39












              up vote
              2
              down vote













              I've heard some people argue that providing a copy of your ID is in order to help them with their background checks. I don't swallow this, however. (the following reasoning is based simply on my own opinion, I have no sources to back this up)



              Copy of your ID



              In Canada, for example, it's illegal to discriminate against a possible candidate based on age, race, skin color, gender, religion, etc. Sometimes you can tell "who you're dealing with" simply by looking at the name on the resume - but that's tricky in such a multicultural society as Canada - and the US - have become.



              So instead, they may ask you for a copy of your ID to "help with the background check". It has your picture, birthday, etc. ... personally I think that's information which could be used to discriminate against you without your knowledge.



              I would flat out refuse:




              I'm sorry, but I have never provided an employer with a copy of my personal ID, and I'm not about to do so now. I have had companies conduct background checks without this information, and I see no reason why it would be needed in this case either.




              (If he pushes you simply state that's it's a matter of personal privacy, and it's non-negotiable)



              Note: you risk being rejected by the recruiter for refusing.



              References



              You've already read up on how recruiters will sometimes use your references to try and expand their list of contacts. I would refuse to provide those until you've touched base with someone from the company and know for a fact that you're a contender for the position.



              Good luck!






              share|improve this answer
















              • 1




                The only reasonable requirement for photo (outside of acting etc) would be if you where going for a job requiring security clearance,
                – Pepone
                Nov 26 '15 at 19:54














              up vote
              2
              down vote













              I've heard some people argue that providing a copy of your ID is in order to help them with their background checks. I don't swallow this, however. (the following reasoning is based simply on my own opinion, I have no sources to back this up)



              Copy of your ID



              In Canada, for example, it's illegal to discriminate against a possible candidate based on age, race, skin color, gender, religion, etc. Sometimes you can tell "who you're dealing with" simply by looking at the name on the resume - but that's tricky in such a multicultural society as Canada - and the US - have become.



              So instead, they may ask you for a copy of your ID to "help with the background check". It has your picture, birthday, etc. ... personally I think that's information which could be used to discriminate against you without your knowledge.



              I would flat out refuse:




              I'm sorry, but I have never provided an employer with a copy of my personal ID, and I'm not about to do so now. I have had companies conduct background checks without this information, and I see no reason why it would be needed in this case either.




              (If he pushes you simply state that's it's a matter of personal privacy, and it's non-negotiable)



              Note: you risk being rejected by the recruiter for refusing.



              References



              You've already read up on how recruiters will sometimes use your references to try and expand their list of contacts. I would refuse to provide those until you've touched base with someone from the company and know for a fact that you're a contender for the position.



              Good luck!






              share|improve this answer
















              • 1




                The only reasonable requirement for photo (outside of acting etc) would be if you where going for a job requiring security clearance,
                – Pepone
                Nov 26 '15 at 19:54












              up vote
              2
              down vote










              up vote
              2
              down vote









              I've heard some people argue that providing a copy of your ID is in order to help them with their background checks. I don't swallow this, however. (the following reasoning is based simply on my own opinion, I have no sources to back this up)



              Copy of your ID



              In Canada, for example, it's illegal to discriminate against a possible candidate based on age, race, skin color, gender, religion, etc. Sometimes you can tell "who you're dealing with" simply by looking at the name on the resume - but that's tricky in such a multicultural society as Canada - and the US - have become.



              So instead, they may ask you for a copy of your ID to "help with the background check". It has your picture, birthday, etc. ... personally I think that's information which could be used to discriminate against you without your knowledge.



              I would flat out refuse:




              I'm sorry, but I have never provided an employer with a copy of my personal ID, and I'm not about to do so now. I have had companies conduct background checks without this information, and I see no reason why it would be needed in this case either.




              (If he pushes you simply state that's it's a matter of personal privacy, and it's non-negotiable)



              Note: you risk being rejected by the recruiter for refusing.



              References



              You've already read up on how recruiters will sometimes use your references to try and expand their list of contacts. I would refuse to provide those until you've touched base with someone from the company and know for a fact that you're a contender for the position.



              Good luck!






              share|improve this answer












              I've heard some people argue that providing a copy of your ID is in order to help them with their background checks. I don't swallow this, however. (the following reasoning is based simply on my own opinion, I have no sources to back this up)



              Copy of your ID



              In Canada, for example, it's illegal to discriminate against a possible candidate based on age, race, skin color, gender, religion, etc. Sometimes you can tell "who you're dealing with" simply by looking at the name on the resume - but that's tricky in such a multicultural society as Canada - and the US - have become.



              So instead, they may ask you for a copy of your ID to "help with the background check". It has your picture, birthday, etc. ... personally I think that's information which could be used to discriminate against you without your knowledge.



              I would flat out refuse:




              I'm sorry, but I have never provided an employer with a copy of my personal ID, and I'm not about to do so now. I have had companies conduct background checks without this information, and I see no reason why it would be needed in this case either.




              (If he pushes you simply state that's it's a matter of personal privacy, and it's non-negotiable)



              Note: you risk being rejected by the recruiter for refusing.



              References



              You've already read up on how recruiters will sometimes use your references to try and expand their list of contacts. I would refuse to provide those until you've touched base with someone from the company and know for a fact that you're a contender for the position.



              Good luck!







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Nov 26 '15 at 18:36









              AndreiROM

              44.1k21101173




              44.1k21101173







              • 1




                The only reasonable requirement for photo (outside of acting etc) would be if you where going for a job requiring security clearance,
                – Pepone
                Nov 26 '15 at 19:54












              • 1




                The only reasonable requirement for photo (outside of acting etc) would be if you where going for a job requiring security clearance,
                – Pepone
                Nov 26 '15 at 19:54







              1




              1




              The only reasonable requirement for photo (outside of acting etc) would be if you where going for a job requiring security clearance,
              – Pepone
              Nov 26 '15 at 19:54




              The only reasonable requirement for photo (outside of acting etc) would be if you where going for a job requiring security clearance,
              – Pepone
              Nov 26 '15 at 19:54










              up vote
              2
              down vote














              What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?




              Pretty small. I've never been asked for a photo ID by a recruiter. Unless your a model or actor, I cannot think of a reason any recruiter would ever need a photo ID.



              If you are interested in working with the company, ask why they need a photo ID. If they don't give you a reasonable answers, then go your separate ways.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                2
                down vote














                What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?




                Pretty small. I've never been asked for a photo ID by a recruiter. Unless your a model or actor, I cannot think of a reason any recruiter would ever need a photo ID.



                If you are interested in working with the company, ask why they need a photo ID. If they don't give you a reasonable answers, then go your separate ways.






                share|improve this answer






















                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote










                  What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?




                  Pretty small. I've never been asked for a photo ID by a recruiter. Unless your a model or actor, I cannot think of a reason any recruiter would ever need a photo ID.



                  If you are interested in working with the company, ask why they need a photo ID. If they don't give you a reasonable answers, then go your separate ways.






                  share|improve this answer













                  What are the chances that a reputable company would really want my photo ID at this stage?




                  Pretty small. I've never been asked for a photo ID by a recruiter. Unless your a model or actor, I cannot think of a reason any recruiter would ever need a photo ID.



                  If you are interested in working with the company, ask why they need a photo ID. If they don't give you a reasonable answers, then go your separate ways.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Nov 26 '15 at 18:57









                  sevensevens

                  6,20321531




                  6,20321531




















                      up vote
                      1
                      down vote













                      This sounds remarkably dodgy to me. I have had to give photo ID before to a recruiter, but it was for a security-restricted role and I had met the (reputable) recruiter in their inner city offices. You don't state if you've met the recruiter in person in their offices, but I would be cautious of giving over this information if you doubt the legitimacy of the recruiter.



                      What I would suggest is:



                      • Ask the recruiter for the contact name and email address (an internal company email address for the person who has requested the ID.

                      • Ring the company on their public line, and ask to speak to the person. If they say they don't work there, then you have your first red flag.

                      • If you can talk to the person, ask about the request your received from the recruiter. Verify they asked for it.

                      • If this person has verified that yes, they asked for it, you can email it directly to them.

                      • Notify the recruiter you have passed on the required information.

                      If the recruiter refuses to give this information, then I would be very, very cautious about proceeding.






                      share|improve this answer


























                        up vote
                        1
                        down vote













                        This sounds remarkably dodgy to me. I have had to give photo ID before to a recruiter, but it was for a security-restricted role and I had met the (reputable) recruiter in their inner city offices. You don't state if you've met the recruiter in person in their offices, but I would be cautious of giving over this information if you doubt the legitimacy of the recruiter.



                        What I would suggest is:



                        • Ask the recruiter for the contact name and email address (an internal company email address for the person who has requested the ID.

                        • Ring the company on their public line, and ask to speak to the person. If they say they don't work there, then you have your first red flag.

                        • If you can talk to the person, ask about the request your received from the recruiter. Verify they asked for it.

                        • If this person has verified that yes, they asked for it, you can email it directly to them.

                        • Notify the recruiter you have passed on the required information.

                        If the recruiter refuses to give this information, then I would be very, very cautious about proceeding.






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          1
                          down vote










                          up vote
                          1
                          down vote









                          This sounds remarkably dodgy to me. I have had to give photo ID before to a recruiter, but it was for a security-restricted role and I had met the (reputable) recruiter in their inner city offices. You don't state if you've met the recruiter in person in their offices, but I would be cautious of giving over this information if you doubt the legitimacy of the recruiter.



                          What I would suggest is:



                          • Ask the recruiter for the contact name and email address (an internal company email address for the person who has requested the ID.

                          • Ring the company on their public line, and ask to speak to the person. If they say they don't work there, then you have your first red flag.

                          • If you can talk to the person, ask about the request your received from the recruiter. Verify they asked for it.

                          • If this person has verified that yes, they asked for it, you can email it directly to them.

                          • Notify the recruiter you have passed on the required information.

                          If the recruiter refuses to give this information, then I would be very, very cautious about proceeding.






                          share|improve this answer














                          This sounds remarkably dodgy to me. I have had to give photo ID before to a recruiter, but it was for a security-restricted role and I had met the (reputable) recruiter in their inner city offices. You don't state if you've met the recruiter in person in their offices, but I would be cautious of giving over this information if you doubt the legitimacy of the recruiter.



                          What I would suggest is:



                          • Ask the recruiter for the contact name and email address (an internal company email address for the person who has requested the ID.

                          • Ring the company on their public line, and ask to speak to the person. If they say they don't work there, then you have your first red flag.

                          • If you can talk to the person, ask about the request your received from the recruiter. Verify they asked for it.

                          • If this person has verified that yes, they asked for it, you can email it directly to them.

                          • Notify the recruiter you have passed on the required information.

                          If the recruiter refuses to give this information, then I would be very, very cautious about proceeding.







                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited Nov 27 '15 at 0:34

























                          answered Nov 27 '15 at 0:06









                          Jane S♦

                          40.8k17125159




                          40.8k17125159












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