Verifying user ID's and addresses

RawDepth · 10-15-2007, 07:42 PM

I own an online auction site similar to Ebay. I am considering adding new ways to make buyer and seller identifications more reliable and secure.

I already have a seller address verification system in place via postcard but it costs me almost $0.50 US for each seller. I then display those sellers’ names as “Address Verified” to gain buyer trust.

What if, instead, I asked them to send me a legible photograph of their driver’s license for faster and cheaper identification? As long as the address matched their login credentials it would confirm. Hmmm...or would it? Ah, never mind, I suppose photos can be retouched.

Is there any way to verify driver’s license numbers though online records?

Is there any faster, cheaper, and more secure way to verify identities and street addresses? Buyers really depend on my verifications.

RD

StrongInTheArm · 10-16-2007, 02:47 AM

Interesting question. In all honesty I don't have an answer for you but ...

You face a difficult task, if it were easy to verify and keep accurate these details, Ebay would be doing it already me thinks.

In the UK there is the Electoral Register, but of course not everyone is on it, and it can get out of date as people move around. But councils do make available public versions that can be used for commercial purposes. There may be national versions too.

Database such as these exist and maybe of use to you to some extent. Costs I'm not sure about. But they will not be fool proof and if someone wants to fool you its not impossible to do.

bobchrist · 10-16-2007, 03:40 AM

Most of the companies are doing automated phone verification of orders, I think that can be more feasible.

chicgeek · 10-16-2007, 06:32 AM

Moved from the lobby.

Steven_D · 10-17-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RawDepth

I own an online auction site similar to Ebay. I am considering adding new ways to make buyer and seller identifications more reliable and secure.

I already have a seller address verification system in place via postcard but it costs me almost $0.50 US for each seller. I then display those sellers’ names as “Address Verified” to gain buyer trust.

What if, instead, I asked them to send me a legible photograph of their driver’s license for faster and cheaper identification? As long as the address matched their login credentials it would confirm. Hmmm...or would it? Ah, never mind, I suppose photos can be retouched.

Is there any way to verify driver’s license numbers though online records?

Is there any faster, cheaper, and more secure way to verify identities and street addresses? Buyers really depend on my verifications.

RD

I am assuming that you pay 50c and the other company then takes the liability for fraud. Do you really want to be responsible and more importantly liable, if someone fakes a DL and rips off one of your members.

I would pay the 50c and just charge each customer $1, that way you make 50c and you still get the addresses verified.

RawDepth · 10-18-2007, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven_D

I am assuming that you pay 50c and the other company then takes the liability for fraud. Do you really want to be responsible and more importantly liable, if someone fakes a DL and rips off one of your members.

I would pay the 50c and just charge each customer $1, that way you make 50c and you still get the addresses verified.

I am not sure how I would be making myself liable. I have a disclaimer in my TOS about my liability. All I am doing is proving that the address members give is indeed a real working address because they have physically received my letter and responded to my instructions.

I do the postcards myself. The $.50 is including postage, card stock, toner, and labor. (Just an average.)

Steven_D · 10-18-2007, 01:53 PM

sorry I tht you were getting someone else to do it for you and paying them 50c

eXweso · 10-21-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RawDepth

I own an online auction site similar to Ebay. I am considering adding new ways to make buyer and seller identifications more reliable and secure.

What if I asked them to send me a legible photograph of their driver’s license for faster and cheaper identification? As long as the address matched their login credentials it would confirm. Hmmm...or would it? Ah, never mind, I suppose photos can be retouched.

RD

Long Live Photoshop