Reply to: Agent asking for a passport copy

[Contreras]

Passport number, issue date, issue place, the strip of numbers at the bottom of the page, expiration date. Basically anything that might make it useful to them

That's what I do except instead of plain redacting I overprint the blanked out areas with "COPY NOT FOR REPRODUCTION" and "<agency name> - COPY".

Scanned at 75dpi (colour, because that's what they ask for) it serves the purpose of box ticking and not much else.

[NCOTBAC]

What's the point in sending it then at all though?

So they can prove they have shown some diligence when dealing with you. Many things we do don't have a point but have to be done to avoid trouble.

[ba55meister]

Passport number, issue date, issue place, the strip of numbers at the bottom of the page, expiration date. Basically anything that might make it useful to them

What's the point in sending it then at all though?

[TheFaQQer]

Blank what details out?


Also I work through my partner's limited company. Basically I am employed by a ltd company and the contract is between that company and the agency. That is why I am concerned.

Passport number, issue date, issue place, the strip of numbers at the bottom of the page, expiration date. Basically anything that might make it useful to them

[ba55meister]

Scan the passport, blank out all the details and send them a copy.

Blank what details out?


Also I work through my partner's limited company. Basically I am employed by a ltd company and the contract is between that company and the agency. That is why I am concerned.

[TheFaQQer]

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?

Depends on who is doing the audit. If they are being audited to make sure that they have checked you have a right to work in this country (and the easiest way is to check your passport), and they can't show that, do you then run the risk that the Home Office come calling instead? I don't know.

Scan the passport, blank out all the details and send them a copy.

[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?

[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.

[BigRed]

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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.