Agent asking for a passport copy

[SueEllen]

When I have been CRB checked for charity work only an "approved" person from the charity can verify the photographic ID.

I think it's to do with training.

[Contreras]

I've been on the project for 6 months now (in fact the contract ends in three weeks) and suddenly the agent emails me asking for a copy of my passport. He also wouldn't say why he needs it. They're not my umbrella company either. All sounds rather weird. I dont feel comfortable giving it to him now

Coincidentally you've just sent it off to be renewed / to be replaced / to apply for a savings account / dealing account / other financial product. You'll be sure to let them have a copy just as soon as you get it back / have the new one. (delete as appropriate)

They are obliged to do this, check references and qualifications if you are Opted in. Even if you are opted out it would be fair for them to do some diligence and not provide people to clients that shouldn't be there.

It would be fair of them for due diligence, yes. But a scanned passport copy from someone you've never met is not due diligence. Same goes for the scanned C of I and VAT Cert. that they always ask for.

If the contract depended on it then I'd send a redacted copy (marked with the agency name), but as it's only 3 weeks to go then I might just ignore the request - depending also on whether the agent had had made an effort to build a working relationship or was scouting work for me.

Sounds like they might be having an audit lol.

Yep.

[northernladuk]

It would be fair of them for due diligence, yes. But a scanned passport copy from someone you've never met is not due diligence. Same goes for the scanned C of I and VAT Cert. that they always ask for.

To the agents credit every contract I can remember I had to attend with passport. As you point out a scanned one wasn't acceptable. Can't see why a scanned C of I and VAT Cert would be a problem though, I took photocopies in last contract.

[TheFaQQer]

Two out of the last three projects I've done have asked for passport to be taken in at the start of the project.

Since one of those was overseas, it wasn't a hassle.

[psychocandy]

Client is still hassling me to send them my actual passport to their head office.

I've pointed out that even if I send it special delivery, and they send it back SD, there is still no guarantee the useless buggers at Royal Mail wont lose it. I had a bad experience with this a few years ago and its hassle indeed to get it all sorted.

Its for CRB check. Personally, I don't see the point. I've been on site over 3 weeks and theres only 4 weeks or so of the contract left.

[malvolio]

Client is still hassling me to send them my actual passport to their head office.

I've pointed out that even if I send it special delivery, and they send it back SD, there is still no guarantee the useless buggers at Royal Mail wont lose it. I had a bad experience with this a few years ago and its hassle indeed to get it all sorted.

Its for CRB check. Personally, I don't see the point. I've been on site over 3 weeks and theres only 4 weeks or so of the contract left.

Tell them sending it all by itself is pointless, it is not a legal proof of identity unless you are holding it at the same time. So if they would pay you to go to Head Office then you will take it but otherwise stop wasting everyone's time.

[Brussels Slumdog]

Tell them sending it all by itself is pointless, it is not a legal proof of identity unless you are holding it at the same time. So if they would pay you to go to Head Office then you will take it but otherwise stop wasting everyone's time.

Offer to send them a scanned copy and ask them to contact you via Skype
Would this not be the same as you standing next to them.
The face that they see on skype would then match the photo on your passport that you have sent them

[BigRed]

Admit that you don't have one. Ask if your North Korean ID card will do

[SueEllen]

Client is still hassling me to send them my actual passport to their head office.

I've pointed out that even if I send it special delivery, and they send it back SD, there is still no guarantee the useless buggers at Royal Mail wont lose it. I had a bad experience with this a few years ago and its hassle indeed to get it all sorted.

Its for CRB check. Personally, I don't see the point. I've been on site over 3 weeks and theres only 4 weeks or so of the contract left.

Agree.

Then come in one day and say your wife has sent it to the passport office to be renewed without telling you. Make sure you look p1ssed off. Ask them what other ID will do?

As passport offices can take weeks over summer the contract will be finished before your passport would arrive back.

[ba55meister]

the agent finally wrote back why he actually needs it. He said it's just he was asked by his boss in case they will get audited. Why should I care if the do though?