What documents have you provided to affiliate programs?

Earlier today, GPWA member Jambo made a post asking which documents are acceptable for verification? He expressed the view that a request he has received was overreaching.

Personally, I've put up with requests that I've thought have gone to far, although more from financial institutions than from affiliate programs. For example, one request from a financial institution I received yesterday requires that I pay a lawyer to provide an affidavit regarding certain company information rather than providing an affidavit myself as director and CEO of the same business.

So, for this week's poll I thought I'd ask about documentation affiliates have provided to affiliate programs. Besides voting in the poll, I invite you to provide more detail in a post, and also to share your view about the whole area of KYC (Know Your Customer).

Michael

I heard Steven has pretty good rates and that he only charges family members extra. :evillaug:


I do agree though that some seem to go far, but I also have one domain registrar that asks me to provide similar documents when transferring domains away, and although it is a pain to dig up a current utility bill to scan and send along with a scan of my license, I know they will not transfer names out without requesting documentation either.

Rick
Universal4

Only a couple of days ago, after sending KYC docs to a BTC wallet, was then requested to take a selfie while holding driver's license, and a random 5 digit number (issued by company seeking my ID). Had to write that number on a piece of paper (surprised they didn't stipulate colour of paper and ink). After a couple of hours was finally verified.

As I only reside in AU, can only add my experiences with KYC out here. Banks etc., etc., .etc., for personal use only require a sighted DL. A company, then it's the company details etc., etc.

However, once KYC has been established, that's it, you don't need to furnish any further ID.

EG - Your ID doesn't become voided (unverified) when your Driver's License expires.

In the majority of places I've had to submit KYC online, I've had accounts frozen until I resubmit a new valid DL.

If this was a valid requirement of KYC, then re-submissions of "proof of address" (utility bills etc) would also be a MUST, but they are not. Even though this document MUST be less than 3-months-old.

I've received requests from Aff Programs representatives in charge of their KYC, thinking they're located in their UK/Malta offices, only to later discover these reps are located in places like Ukraine etc. Hence, my ID docs have ended up who knows where???!!!

Only fallen for that one, once. But it was one too many times.

Heads up... If you receive KYC requests, pull up the raw email headers and find out where the email IP originates from.

My beef with KYC online, there is NO standardised process. Seems most companies make up the rules on a per person basis.

I received a KYC request from GIG a few weeks back, I make sweet FA there, dropped them ages ago. Refused request, and close account.

Given ID fraud is rampant, I need to know the follow before sending:

• Who is receiving my personal docs;
• How are these docs treated (are they destroyed on verification) or held;
• If kept... how are they stored, where are they stored, and who has access to them.

Food for thought... KYC (Know Your Customer) try asking the aff program to supply YOU with their KYC, legally they should. But to date every program I've request such info from, flatly refuses. Keep that in mind next time you received a KYC request ;)

One term in our Advertisers Code-of-Conduct:

"Documentation Requests/Demands. We will immediately terminate dealings with any brand, network or company demanding or requesting personal documentation from us (ie. a personal ID theft kit). If you ask in any way for our passports, driving licences, bank statements or anything similar then you can expect a swift removal of all your advertising and almost certainly a listing on our public and private blacklists. Do not test us with this rule."

Following sending of my docs to Mr Affiliate - on the promise that noone else would ever see them - and then of ALL places ****ing WILLIAM HILL picking up access...... that was the final straw when we pulled any ****er who wants my ID. More advertisers where you came from.

I replied to the post from Jambo. These requests are totally get out of hand and very frustrating. This is what happens when lawyers start running the business. I learnt this from another highly regulated company that I used to work for.