Asking a seller to identify themselves in a website Auction
I'm hoping you can help me. I've been researching websites on Flippa, here, and digital point. I'm in the market to buy a website in the $10K range. Naturally, for that kind of money, I'm pretty serious about due diligence.
Now, let's face it. Buying a website on flippa or anywhere else is most definitely a "Buyer beware" situation. I can't even begin to list the number of times people have tried to scam me. Part of the reason for this is, naturally, the lack of positive identification necessary on the internet to conduct business.
Can you think of a SINGLE offline 10K business transaction where you wouldn't be asked for identification? I can't. Every professional transaction for services on the internet requires identification in the form of a credit card.
Here's my question: Is it fair to ask a seller to provide proof of his identity by scanning his driver's license, passport, or other official government ID?
Of course, he can take out his/her address, or other non-pertinent info. But is it fair to want to know exactly who you are dealing with? I understand that he could fake his ID, and this no "safe tablet" that shields you from the thieves of this world, but knowing who you are dealing with is a (basic) step in the right direction.
Any comments, hints, suggestions on keeping safe in this regard is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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