Client asking to verify that I exist

[finnishkatja]

A client invited me to apply for his job so I did and now he says he needs my ID to verify that I exist. Not only my passport but also my telephone number, email address and town of residence (last one is related to the job offer). The client has payment verification but hasn't spent any money on Upwork so far and he's looking for 56 freelancers and so far has hired 4. Should I send him the information he's asking for before he's even hired me?

[prestonhunter]

Sounds like a scammer or identity thief to me.

I have had 177 jobs on Upwork. Nobody has asked for my ID.

I would not send my ID to someone if they asked.

I would tell them that Upwork has my information on file and I authorize them to check with Upwork to verify my identity and verify that I exist.

[petra_r]

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Preston H wrote:

I would tell them that Upwork has my information on file and I authorize them to check with Upwork to verify my identity and verify that I exist.

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 You know fully well that Upwork will not do this.

[g_vasilevski · Accepted solution]

Hi Katja,

One of our team members will also reach out to you via ticket where you can share more details with us about this and our team will investigate the client further. Thank you.