At 12:06 AM 4/18/2015, Stephen Engel wrote:
>While on the subject of online payments, are there any PayPal users
>that can lend their advise? I switched accounts that fund my PayPal
>account and now PayPal is requiring me to send them a copy of my
>drivers license, social security card, and a recent utility bill
>before they let me transfer funds into PayPal. I am inclined to say,
>"no way", but having been a recent victim of identity theft I am
>inclined to say, "NO WAY!"
>
>Has anybody had a similar request? I am trying to put down a deposit
>for a visit from Colin the Itinerant Air Cooled Guy and its the only
>form of payment he accepts.

Stephen, it actually seems entirely reasonable to me, it's Paypal
making sure your account hasn't been hijacked by someone who will use
it to receive payments intended for you, or for some other sneaky
purpose.  I imagine the specific forms of ID will be negotiable,
though including something to demonstrate that you are receiving
"official" mail as a head of household at the addresss you
supply.  They aren't trying to steal your data, they already have it
or can readily get it.  They want to be sure it's really you they're
dealing with before changing the arrangements you made
initially.  They're working on your behalf.

Yours,
David