Job Agency Asking For A Scan Copy

[newbie99]

Hi Posters,

I recently applied for a few vacancies and one of the agencies came back and asked for a copy of my passport and email to them so they could forward to the company who recruits the job.

I told the agent that I am not comfortable in doing that as when my personal data is gone into email I don't know who's hand it may end up with.
I suggested to the agent that I would be happy to bring along my hard copy of passport on the day of the interview.

Any other suggestions on how to handle this or I am too concerned?

[bednobs]

too concerned- they want to know you have a right to work here before they go to the bother of interviewing you

[237SJ]

Send the recruiting company a photocopy through the post?

[Gizmonster]

I understand your concerns and I'd be the same as you to be honest.
Why not ask if you can send them a copy, with certain information blanked out by yourself, such as passport number and maybe any other bits that wouldn't be necessary ..... just a thought :)

[Prudie]

If you bring it along they will only photocopy or scan it anyway. I think you are too concerned, there's nothing on a passport of great secrecy. Once in employment they will hold all sorts of personal data about you.

[newbie99]

Thanks gizmonster, that is a very good suggestions . I will offer to do that.

I had very bad experience with some big corporate companies that they don't complies to data protection act etc.

[woofgang]

These days, I reckon that email is more secure than snail mail. They will take a photocopy of it when you go in anyway. I had a small investment in america that belonged to my late husband. When They were transferring the account over to me they said they needed photo ID and could I email them a scan. I said that I was happy to do so but as they had never seen me I couldn't see the point. The nice American roared with laughter and said he had never thought of that before! I still had to send it though!

[factor-fiction]

I've just had to provide a copy of my passport, NI number and copy of a utility bill/bank statement showing my address to an agency as they have to verify my entitlement to work here and organise a DBS check. It's not uncommon