ID theft protection: is it legal to ask for a scan of my ID?

[Maurice522]

Hello everyone.

 

Here's my problem: I deposited a few days ago 100€ via credit card at bet365 online sportsbook. Right after, they suspended my account because of IP issues, though they don't say in their terms of use one can't use a proxy.

 

But anyway, all I want now is for them to refund my 100€ on my credit card. They asked me for an ID scan (though it isn't written in their terms of use either that they will ask for ID scans to be able to make a withdrawal). I sent them a scan of my driving licence, but they refused it and asked for a scan of my ID card or passport. I gave them a scan of my ID card where I darkened all the security verification numbers (to prevent ID theft) but where all informations about me were intact (photo, full name, date of birth, address, even signature, etc...), which they refused, saying that it has to completely unaltered...

 

Now I know that in France, for instance, it is forbidden to ask for a copy of ID by anyone but a governmental agent.

I'd like to know what the status is in the UK.

Is it forbidden as well, to prevent ID theft, or are they allowed to refuse to refund my money if I don't give them my complete ID scan, making myself vulnerable to ID theft?

 

Thanks a lot in advance and have a great day.

[stu007]

Hi Maurice522

 

Now on teir site terms and condition it states under Your Bet365 Account:

 

1.1 All applicants must be over 18 years of age to place a bet/wager or register with bet365. bet365 reserves the right to ask for proof of age from any customer and suspend their account until satisfactory documentation is provided. bet365 takes its responsibilities in respect of under age and responsible gambling very seriously.

 

but we would also need to know which part of bet365 your were using to see their terms:

 

* Sportsbook Products.

* Casino Products.

* Poker Products.

* Games Products.

* Bingo Products.

[Maurice522]

Hi stu007.

 

Thanks for your response.

 

However, like I said, I provided them with my driving licence and ID card where all useful informations (including date of birth) were perfectly visible, so they can't just rely on that article to refuse to proceed to my withdrawal, as they have my proof of age clearly visible on both.

 

And it's about sportsbook products but please don't waste your time searching in their terms of use just for me.

 

My main question here really is: is it legal in the UK to ask for a full ID scan if you're not a governmental agent?

 

Thanks anyway and have a great evening.

[dazedndconfussed]

Just do a charge back on your credit card.

[Maurice522]

People chargebacking gambling websites are then blacklisted by all major gambling companies, what I'd definitely try to avoid.

 

Thanks for the idea, though, appreciate it.

[blitz]

I don't see why it would not be legal as long as they keep to the Data Protection Act and is requested for lawful reasons, in this case to check identity for money laundering purposes and age verification. Enforcement is so strict on these issues currently that millions of id checks go on every month.

[Maurice522]

Hi blitz.

 

I understand but then are they allowed to refuse my driving licence as an ID?

And shouldn't they say in their terms of use that prior to any withdrawal, they will request a full scan of ID card?

 

Nothing's really protected on the internet and ID theft's such a nightmare that I'm even wondering if I wouldn't rather lose 100€ than take the risk...

 

Thanks for your response anyway and have a good evening.

[stu007]

Hi

 

This is also from there website:

 

Under Age Gambling

 

It is against the law for those under 18 to gamble and bet365 takes its responsibilities in this regard very seriously. We carry out electronic age verification checks on customers and may also ask for backup documentation. Anyone under the age of 18 found to be using the site will have any winnings forfeited and may also be reported to the appropriate authorities.

[Maurice522]

Hello stu007,

 

I understand, but isn't my driving licence (and my ID with all personal info) really enough to verify my age?

 

Have a good evening.

[Roberto.Baggio]

It is legal for bet365 to ask for proof of ID (e.g. passport) and proof of address. However they also often ask for photographs of you holding your ID at the side of your face. Withholding your funds until you provide this is probably illegal.