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09-06-2009, 12:56 PM #1Newbie
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Photo ID required for VPS hosting?
Hi,
I just signed up for a host, and after I paid and everything, they asked me to sign a Paypal authorization form and to mail them a copy of my photo ID! Has anyone else run into situations like this? Why do they need my photo ID? Do most hosts require photo IDs upon sign up now? I'm just trying to run a small hobby site, and honestly, I can't be bothered to have to find a fax machine/scanner just for a web host (it's an unmanaged plan for less than $10).
What do you guys think?
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09-06-2009, 01:13 PM #2WHT Addict
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I don't really think it's necessary to be honest in this case.
I can understand how they are trying to prevent fraud, but since you said you are only paying for less than $10 which I assume is a monthly plan, it shouldn't be needed. However, if you paid yearly, then I would say it is appropriate to ask for photo ID. There was probably something about your order that triggered their fraud detection program or whatever and they are seeking verification.
The majority of hosts do not require a PhotoID for something like this.█ //VPS Blowout going on now! Can you believe it?
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09-06-2009, 01:35 PM #3Newbie
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Thanks for the reply. I really can't be bothered to find a scanner/fax machine for a ~$10 web hosting plan. I just don't want to go through the trouble. Should I be able to get a refund?
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09-06-2009, 01:39 PM #4Web Hosting Master
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if they offer a refund then sure (you did read the TOS/AUP right?) if not then you're out of luck.
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09-06-2009, 01:47 PM #5Newbie
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- Sep 2009
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Ah, the refund policy was on a different page than their TOS. I can get a refund within the first 30 days. Thanks guys for your help.
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09-06-2009, 02:01 PM #6Cloud Backup Specialist
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Its Most Likely Burst your dealing with, Many of my clients have had very similiar problems.
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09-06-2009, 02:09 PM #7Disabled
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Its probably more to do with preventing SPAMMERS from using their service than an anti-fraud measure - though both are similar and SPAMMERS tend to use fraudulent accounts when signing up for a VPS.
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09-06-2009, 02:58 PM #8Web Hosting Master
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A Spammer or a charge back could cost a lot more than $10 to the host. So if they have reason to believe your order was fraudulent then asking for verification is necessary.
Just remember, credit card processors charge money for chargebacks. PayPal isn't so bad but in most cases its around $25.00 + the money you lose.
So a $10 fraudulent VPS can end up costing the company money.
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09-06-2009, 04:25 PM #9Newbie
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Well, I'm certainly not a "spammer" but I probably won't go want to go through the trouble just for a $10 VPS either. I'll look for a company that doesn't have this requirement then.
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09-06-2009, 04:32 PM #10Rockin' the beer gut
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Back in the day i ran my own company, there were only 2 out of maybe 100 clients I had that I did not require photo ID from. If I have a valid government issued photo ID, then I can make sure they are who they say they are. It also gives me a way of finding you.
If you get a VPS from me for $10 and DDoS / exploit / spam a ton and cause me a huge headache and possible legal repercussions - then I can pass it right on to you.
I think every host should require photo ID.Last edited by Dougy; 09-06-2009 at 04:35 PM.
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09-06-2009, 04:58 PM #11Web Hosting Master
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Thanks for the reply. I really can't be bothered to find a scanner/fax machine for a ~$10 web hosting plan. I just don't want to go through the trouble. Should I be able to get a refund?
One of the reasons they ask for you ID.Explore our outstanding VPS choices tailored to your budget, and we welcome reasonable offers.
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09-06-2009, 04:59 PM #12Aspiring Evangelist
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PRESSD - Dynamic WordPress Hosting v2 is in BETA status, set to launch 1st q 2019.
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09-06-2009, 05:38 PM #13Newbie
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Eh, I understand that and all, but I'm still not willing to go through the trouble. There are thousands of hosts that don't have this requirement so I guess for me there's no real need to be stuck with a host that does.
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09-06-2009, 09:11 PM #14Web Hosting Master
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i dont see anything wrong about photo-id requirement.
if you dont have a scanner/fax, these days you can even use a mobile to take a shot of personal id.
arranging a phone call is something i find a bit annoying, but let it be if it's really necessary.
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09-06-2009, 09:56 PM #15Junior Guru Wannabe
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Usually, photo ID needed when you pay using (ex. Paypal)with different email with your account detil when signup. But, if you use same email between signup and Paypal, I think provider must pass it.
I have an experienced with a provider that requires me to send my ID and photo ID, but I refuse because my email in signup and Paypal are same account.
After some debate, they provisioned my box
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09-06-2009, 10:20 PM #16Disabled
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Nothing wrong with a host which trys to keep it just a bit safer.
at least you know, all the other users on your node are ID verified also, which means less risk of abuse on the node
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09-07-2009, 05:48 PM #17Web Hosting Master
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- signup from a country that has a record for fraudulent activity
- use free email address
- mismatch your address
- unreachable phone number
- use different email address & paypal address
- PayPal is unverified or newly verified
We use these factors and calculate to a particular score. If you are above this score (every 7 out of 10 orders are) we require photo ID.
Keep a copy of your driver's license (if you feel passport is too much) on your PC
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09-07-2009, 06:45 PM #18Junior Guru
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Actually I would much rather sign up with a host that has strong anti-fraud and anti-spam measures like this, because it means the quality of service is likely to be much higher. If they care about who their customers are, then they're more likely to care about not overselling and not ignoring problems caused by abusers on their nodes.
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09-08-2009, 01:33 AM #19Junior Guru Wannabe
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09-08-2009, 02:34 AM #20Web Hosting Master
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We have done it in the past if the order is marked as fraud.
Photo ID or a full no questions asked refund...BotWars.io - Code the AI of your Battle Bot!
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09-08-2009, 07:05 AM #21Junior Guru
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09-09-2009, 12:29 AM #22Junior Guru Wannabe
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09-09-2009, 08:35 AM #23Junior Guru
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You really have to blame the bankers for this. The technology for generating a one time use number/code for a transaction has been around since the 80's! And it would be really cheap to do today.
A business shouldn't have to protect the bank, the bank should protect the transaction and their business client / merchant, that's what they do, that's why they are in business.
I'm really tired of it, they shifted their responsibility onto the small business owner and then make the customer have to go through extra hoops to purchase something, and some lose business because of that and also have to deal with losing $$ due to fraud.
The banks have the technology available, you can search for the patents, it's been there for years. I even saw the tech being displayed at comdex.
The banks figure if the merchants are stupid enough to go along with this then they will keep doing it this way, it saves them money, and until the merchants go ballistic on those greedy bastards (isn't that the same as when I say banker).
I think one class action suit for damages of loss of business should do the trick.
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09-09-2009, 09:01 AM #24Web Hosting Master
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Gary Harris - the artist formerly known as Dixiesys
resident grumpy redneck
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