Confidentiality vs. Privacy Thread poster: Crystal Samples
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An agency in Costa Rica is interested in contracting me for a medical translation. Their client requires that I sign a confidentiality agreement. I have no problem with this. However, they are also asking me to send them a copy of an I.D.
Is this a normal practice? I've never worked with this agency, so I am a little wary of sending them my personal info. I have even signed confidentiality agreements with other agencies and they never required that I send an I.D. I know that it ... See more An agency in Costa Rica is interested in contracting me for a medical translation. Their client requires that I sign a confidentiality agreement. I have no problem with this. However, they are also asking me to send them a copy of an I.D.
Is this a normal practice? I've never worked with this agency, so I am a little wary of sending them my personal info. I have even signed confidentiality agreements with other agencies and they never required that I send an I.D. I know that it may seem natural that since they are sending confidential information, that they would need some assurance that I am a real person and all, but since this is a first for me, I was just wondering if anyone else had had an agency ask this of them.
Thanks for the input.
Crystal
[Edited at 2008-02-12 23:26]
[Edited at 2008-02-13 11:59] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Yolanda Broad 
United States
Local time: 09:21
Member (2000)
French to English
+ ...
MODERATOR | ProZ.com Verified ID | Feb 12, 2008 |
Hi Crystal,
You can point out to them that your ID has been verified by ProZ.com and can be checked in your profile. 
| | | | Crystal Samples
United States
Local time: 08:21
French to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Yolanda Broad wrote:
Hi Crystal,
You can point out to them that your ID has been verified by ProZ.com and can be checked in your profile.
Dear Yolanda,
I did what you said, but they are insisting that they need a copy of my identification for accounting purposes - something with a name and photo.
I guess I'll just send it to them, since I don't want to lose the client. However, since I have never had this asked of me before, I wanted to be cautious, wondering if this was a common practice.
Crystal
| | | | David Singer
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:21
Swedish to English
| Obviously thay have been burned before... | Feb 13, 2008 |
...so it seems anyway. There is no problem with transmitting ID really although admittedly not desirable. They have their reasons but do share your concerns given your obvious professional integrity and lack of need to prove yourself to others. Good luck!
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Nicole Schnell
United States
Local time: 06:21
English to German
+ ...
In memoriam | I think, that's OK. | Feb 13, 2008 |
I have never been asked for such a proof of identity. On the other hand, we are a registered business which may make such things obsolete. On request, clients can have my EIN (Employer Identification Number).
Sending a copy of your driver's licence is fine. After all, you wouldn't hesitate to show it to any sales clerk when paying with credit card or check.
I wouldn't worry to much.
Greetings,
Nicole
| | | | Quest4
Local time: 14:21
English to Danish
| Confidentiality vs. Privacy - wouldn't worry about this | Feb 13, 2008 |
I wouldn't worry much, either.
Though not common in the translators' world - it is in the photographic world - in which I also take part. Stock agencies always require such documentation. The first time I reacted like you did. But I have accepted their needs.
Best regards,
Niels Quist
| | | | | Just to be sure | Feb 13, 2008 |
do an ID check on them. Meaning, make sure that THEY are a legitimate agency, registered or whatever satisfies you and assures you that your ID would really be used only for the purposes they specified.
Like you, I'd also be reluctant to give my ID like that, so I'd have done some checking on them.
(You can also ask them what exactly they need your ID for, or even ask them for a privacy guarantee or something.)
In my opinion, if they're a legitimate business, you... See more do an ID check on them. Meaning, make sure that THEY are a legitimate agency, registered or whatever satisfies you and assures you that your ID would really be used only for the purposes they specified.
Like you, I'd also be reluctant to give my ID like that, so I'd have done some checking on them.
(You can also ask them what exactly they need your ID for, or even ask them for a privacy guarantee or something.)
In my opinion, if they're a legitimate business, you can go for it.
good luck! ▲ Collapse
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