I need your ID verified

[Amiga500]

I've been contracting for a few years and this is a first. I've had an interview, been offered and verbally accepted the contract, and filled out a ton of forms at the agencies request.

However the agent is now requesting that I go to their office to 'confirm my ID':

I need your ID verified in a <agency name removed> Office, can you please confirm which area you would like to go to and I'll arrange it.

I offered an email scan of my passport before I received the above response, bearing in my mind the nearest office is 6 miles away and so quite an inconvenience/time drain would you say the request is unreasonable?

[chicane]

would you say the request is unreasonable?

Does it matter whether or not it's unreasonable? It's almost certainly less effort than going through the hassle of finding and being offered a different gig.

6 miles? I mean, seriously.

[GardenGirl]

If the agency is named after a season its normal practise. 6 miles isn't far so I'd do it. however If I was asked to drive for 200 miles then I might be reluctant.

[tino]

If the agency is named after a season its normal practise. 6 miles isn't far so I'd do it. however If I was asked to drive for 200 miles then I might be reluctant.

that is the most pathetic attempt at hiding a name as I have surely ever seen

[GardenGirl]

that is the most pathetic attempt at hiding a name as I have surely ever seen

Glad you like it but couldn't think how to describe them any other way (other than devious and like to change payment terms at whim but I think that sums up most agencies)

[NotAllThere]

For identity verification, the company only has its arse covered if they meet the individual in person. Through the post or via email isn't sufficient.

I do enjoy telling that to agencies.

[scooterscot]

Tell them you are opting out. ID is then not required you are a company providing services, end of. Did you ask for a copy of the plumber's passport when the new washing machine was fitted?

This is a belts and braces approach by agencies who don't know what they are doing and ultimately exposes you to fraud by passing your details to every tom dick and harry.

[Amiga500]

I opted in for various reasons, but the PCG website stated that agency regulations specify ID checking but not the method, which is why it grates me a bit - it's clearly a procedure they created and not legislation.

No bother - guess I'll go to their office so that they can photocopy my passoprt rather than me sending them a scan

Thanks for the responses.

[Drewster]

...........However the agent is now requesting that I go to their office to 'confirm my ID':

I need your ID verified in a <agency name removed> Office, can you please confirm which area you would like to go to and I'll arrange it.
...............

Dear <any pimp>
Looking forward to meeting up with you to confirm my ID - I have scheduled you in for 10 minutes at x o'clock on y date at my office.

Thanx

[The Lone Gunman]

I think you will find that they are supposed to establish your ID BEFORE introducing you to the client.

Politely refuse. If they say they can not act as your agent then thank them for their time and go direct with the client.