Should I email them a copy of my resident card?

[aara1988 1]

Hi all,

A potential employer (well, not really, I'd be working with them as a contractor/freelancer) wants me to email them some information. One thing is my SSN or EIN (I'll choose the later). Another thing is a copy of my permanent resident card. Can anything bad happen if I do so? Like could they steal my identity? I don't know this people at all, they approached me. I was thinking about blurring the number, but maybe they need it for something. What do you guys think?

Thanks

[arken 4,197]

It's typical that you need to provide such document; either the photocopies or scanned copies as a proof that you are allowed to work in the US. Can they steal your identity? Theoretically yes. It's up to you whether to trust them or not.

We provide those documents along with our addresses and bank information to our employers for direct deposit. Our employers can theoretically steal our identity. It's just you have to live with the assumption that they wouldn't do that.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Wait, they approached you and said send us your Greencard and SSN and we might have a job for you? Sounds fishy. Have you interviewed with them? I haven't ever had to show people my stuff until I am hired.

[ryna 132]

Wait, they approached you and said send us your Greencard and SSN and we might have a job for you? Sounds fishy. Have you interviewed with them? I haven't ever had to show people my stuff until I am hired.

I agree 100%. An employer can (and is required to) ask your for those things. A potential employer has no right or need to see it until you are on the job.

[Unlockable 7,315]

Sounds like a "potential" identity theft to me.

Edited June 15, 2016 by NuestraUnion

[Lemonslice 4,885]

Hi all,

A potential employer (well, not really, I'd be working with them as a contractor/freelancer) wants me to email them some information. One thing is my SSN or EIN (I'll choose the later). Another thing is a copy of my permanent resident card. Can anything bad happen if I do so? Like could they steal my identity? I don't know this people at all, they approached me. I was thinking about blurring the number, but maybe they need it for something. What do you guys think?

Thanks

I don't think there is an obligation to verify the status of contractors; no I-9 required; why exactly do they need a copy of your LPR card?

Edited June 15, 2016 by Lemonslice

[Ischnura 285]

Did you apply for a position online anywhere? Post your resume on a website? Some employment websites, once you upload your resume, pretty much make you free for contact from any contract company using the site. Unless they've sent you paperwork though, with the job application form and offer of employment don't part with those kinds of details.

[aara1988 1]

Well, I'm a freelancer, so it's not uncommon for me to be approached by companies I don't know, but they had never asked for any documentation like this before. The thing is that they first asked for proof of my US citizenship and, when I told them I wasn't a citizen, they asked for proof of my permanent residency. And later they realized they really needed a US citizen because they're contracting with the US government. So nevermind in the end.

I have provided my card to another company that hires me as an in-house contractor once I was at their office, but that I found normal because it was done in person. Let's see if I encounter this again.

Thank you, everyone

[Ischnura 285]

My husband contracts also. He's never met a single person from any contract house office, they're based all over the country lol it'd be impossible. The Government thing is probably clearance related. If you're not a citizen you can't apply for it. Still, don't part with documents like that unless you have an application packet in hand.

Good luck with everything