posted on August 30, 2000 02:42:15 AM new
I came accross an Ebay feature tonight that I didn't know exists. It's called ID VERIFY.
"Verification involves a simple two-step process. In the first step, you are asked to fill out a questionnaire with your name, address, driver's license information, date of birth, Social Security Number (which is optional) and other information that helps to identify you. In the second step, you are asked questions based on information contained in your consumer report, obtained from Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc. You are asked to identify certain installment and credit accounts, and their associated monthly payments. This personal credit information should be known to you and generally not others, so the accuracy of your responses should verify your identity."
This sounds a lot like (although more complicated than) the PayPal verification process except for one major differnce: Ebay charges $5 to get verified.
posted on August 30, 2000 05:41:07 AM new
I was wondering what it took, and although I'm not as paranoid as some people about sending my info over an internet connection, that's more info than I think Ebay needs to have about me! I don't mind having them verify my bank account, but my entire credit report and all monthly installment payments?????? There are aspects to a person's identity other than their financial transactions!!
[ edited by pickersangel on Aug 30, 2000 05:42 AM ]
posted on August 30, 2000 06:47:27 AM new
Personally, I feel my feedback says every thing necessary about me BUT I did try to get verified, and had nothing but problems, everything I have on my original eBay registration, showed up, I added the other information, tried and tried to send it and it kept coming back that there was a problem to ask eBay Customer Service!
Being a Power Seller, I went through the Power Seller Support System, and even their intervention, couldn't figure out why my application wouldn't go through the system.
I finally, shelved the idea. I was only doing it to possibly assist new buyers to feel more confident, but it wasn't worth the hassle.
Oh well, so much for ID verification, I don't use eBay that much anymore, so simply don't care - posted for 4 plus years, basically on eBay only, but finally got sick and tired of continual price increases, continual rule changes, and the Gestapo attitude of eBay's management.
eBay actually did me a favor, they forced me to find a better place to sell, and a place where I don't have to put up with eBay's ridiculous attitude and prices.
posted on August 30, 2000 07:04:22 AM new
North - On or off the net, try doing anything without showing a bunch of ID's etc. heck, try opening an account at Block Buster without giving your SS#, driver's license number, photo ID, date you were potty trained etc.
It will probably get much worse as the inevitable few cases of fraud or scams make out-of-proportion big headlines.
Here's a thought - How about verification for buyers?!
posted on August 30, 2000 07:24:50 AM new
artsnflies: Really? Blockbuster requires a Social Security # just to rent their videos?
Sheesh! They won't have me as a customer (even though I purchased new videos there in the past).
I'd rather buy them on half.com!
That's one of the things I liked about PayPal....they didn't ask for date of birth,
driver's license number, Social Security number, etc. (I wouldn't have signed up if they did).
I'd like your idea of verifying buyers....
why are only sellers the bad guys? Some
(though not most) buyers are deadbeats,
scammers, etc.
posted on August 30, 2000 07:51:29 AM new
North - It might be different in other areas of the country. But in our neck of the woods they want all that. Surprised they don't require finger prints too.
Here's another interesting tid bit: When the local 7-11's began renting videos, in the fine print of the membership agreement you gave them permission to enter your home, business or car to retrieve late returns. And you waved your rights to collect for damages caused by their entry!
Agreed about the buyers.
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/artsnflies/
posted on August 30, 2000 08:16:46 AM new
artnflies: You're kidding!!! 7-11 can bust down your front door like a SWAT team, rampage through your home, all for a lousy,
overdue video? And you have no recourse for
damages? Man, now I've heard everything.
What if it was a clerical error, and you returned the video on time? I wonder if they'd even bother to apologize for their
Gestapo-like tactics? (My guess is "no."
posted on August 30, 2000 08:29:33 AM new
North - Yup. That's what the membership app said. They may have changed it since, but that's what was on the apps when they first started renting tapes. I have one around somewhere - kept it for posterity.
Don't know if they every actually enforced it but still scary.
Lesson learned: ALWAYS read the fine print!
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/artsnflies/
posted on August 30, 2000 08:37:23 AM new
I just did the verification process moments ago.
You are NOT required to give them your SSN.
You are required to give them your birthdate, but why in the world would anyone try to intercept such information? It would probably be much easier to look it up at http://www.anybirthdate.com. Over half of all Americans are in their database and it is accessible in seconds.
And, of course, there are countless other databses that contain birthdate information.
I understand being cautious, but what's next? Refusing to give your name on any internet site?
Also, do you take similar precautions when talking on the phone? It is [b]much[/i] more likely for a phone conversation to be intercepted than for an internet communication.
posted on August 30, 2000 08:58:17 AM new
I still think that they could verify my ID without having access to my ENTIRE personal credit history. No thanks, not interested, if that's what Ebay ID Verify takes.
posted on August 30, 2000 09:38:45 AM new
That's why it never really got off the ground, but for a handful of users. And there was to be a renewable $5.00 {yearly} fee attached to that.. Don't know if that part has changed.
******************** Shosh http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/rifkah/
posted on August 30, 2000 09:50:18 AM new
Actually, eBay never has access to any of your credit information. For this part of the process, you are transferred to Equifax, who does the check, then sends you back to eBay.
Equifax already has the information in their own database (they are one of the "big 3" credit reporting agencies), and all they are doing is accessing that information.
posted on August 30, 2000 10:23:11 AM new
The impression I have of this program is: IF YOU DON'T have a credit card, THEN you HAVE to go through VERIFY! I thought it was only for people who don't have CC's? Am I wrong?
posted on August 30, 2000 11:23:26 AM new
Like I want equifax to know more, they already know! acccck, so question:
If you have had bad credit in past, will you be turned down on the ebay verification thing?
I have 3 CC's (too many!) and I remember, someone mentioned it here... about Blockbuster, I got a card when they were fairly new in town, and I had to provide a credit card to get a Blockbuster card, and they charged $5 off of it.... but then I do not like Blockbuster, I only rent from Hollywood, they give you 5 days..... to return the movie ......
posted on August 30, 2000 09:07:53 PM new
I have been an ebay member since May of '98. Five days ago, I opened a new account with ebay and had to verify my infor mation. I could have registered with a credit card, but choose not to. The process was very simple and straight forward.
Part one: Ebay already has the information on the account that you want to verify, with the exception of your SS number. This I did not give since it's not related to my selling with thier site. They have your name, address, email, phone number, user name. Nothing really threating there.
Part two: You are transfered to an Equafax secured site. You are asked general questions about your finances. examples are..
1. In about 1995, you signed mortgage papers with _ First State Bank, _ Last State Bank, _ Second State Bank, _ None of the above. Please choose one
2. In about 1999, you signed auto loan papers with _ Bank and Trust, _ Honest John's Auto Sales, _ Your City Bank, _ None of the Above. Please choose one.
3. Your monthly mortgage payment is between, _ $500.00 and $600.00, _ $600.00 and $700.00, _ Over $700.00 per month, _ None of the above.
As you can see, these questions ask for general answers and not specifics. If you are afraid that the credit Beareus don't already know this information about you, then should think again. If you have a S.S. number and a bank account, they have a profile on you. They already know your average checking and savings balance per month, how long you have lived at your current residence, what your phone number is, your car value, and MUCH MORE!
The purpose of this is to VERIFY you as a person, and not to pass judgement on anybody. They (ebay) have positive proof that I say who I am.
I've had credit problems in the past and I was APPROVED by the ID verify system.
Hope this information will help everyone with some concerns on this issue.
