Is it normal that Paypal asks for my passport copy?

Question

Paypal told me that someone might have tried to get access to my account, while I know there was no such case and it was me who entered a wrong email address.

Now when I try to access my account, I'm informed that they need a passport copy, a new password and access question, before my account status goes back to normal.

I was wondering if someone else tries via Paypal to get my passport details or if it's really Paypal. Because I really don't see what they need my details for.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I have needed to reset my password but have never been asked for a passport number.  go to the Paypal website and ask if it's real.  I know people try to get info by pretending to be Ebay and I've checked them out and reported them.  Guess same thing could happen with Pay Pal.  Here's the Pay Pal link that should help

Answer 2

Are you sure that you are being told this by paypal, and not some scammer trying to do identity theft?

Paypal, like credit cards, has to follow some regulations concerning "money laundering", that were put in place after 9/11/01, in order to thwart terrorists moving large sums of money through these types of accounts.  They can transact small exchanges, to some limit, and then they need more postitive identification of who exactly you are.

So, they may be doing this because they are legally required to by the U.S. Government, however, make sure you are talking to the real Paypal before sending anything to them.  If you recieved an e-mail, don't use any e-mail address or web page link in that e-mail.  Go to http://www.paypal.com/ and talk to someone through that and confirm the information.

Answer 3

That probably was a scam. Paypal does not require passport details.

If you are not sure then forward the letter to

[e-mail]

If it is valid they will tell you.

Answer 4

Send that email to [e-mail]

and then download this program

http://www.iconix.com

this program authenticates messages and let's you know when it is the real thing!

You can tell them too exactly what you told us and they will send you a message to help distinguish when it is a spoof

There are people phishing for information.

Answer 5

Extreme Caution should be foremost in your mind ------!!!

Paypal does not do this.

Best guess is that it's a scam to get your personal information.

I would not do it _____for sure !!.

                                                                   +++Spock+++

Answer 6

NO!!!

Whenever you get any emails claiming to be from pay pal ignore them - dont reply - and sign on to pay pal via their website to see what is really going on - if anything.

This can be dangerous the way they try to take your info.