if you think paypal wants too much personal infomation please use this website

[Anonymous]

For all those with worries about paypal wanting too much information re tfn, etc, this website maybe of interest.

http://www.privacy.org.au

[phorum_junkie*]

Why should I be bothered about Paypal having basic personal information? I expect, and hope, that they will want all the information they can get to make sure I am a genuine user and not somebody who is trying to set up an account to defraud people. They have my name, my address, my phone number and several email addresses. I have, after some high value overseas transfers, had to confirm my identity and address by providing copies of driving license etc pretty much the same info you need to open a bank account. If they want any further information they are welcome to it and if it keeps my account safer good for them.

[thecatspjs]

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@phorum_junkie* wrote:

Why should I be bothered about Paypal having basic personal information? I expect, and hope, that they will want all the information they can get to make sure I am a genuine user and not somebody who is trying to set up an account to defraud people. They have my name, my address, my phone number and several email addresses. I have, after some high value overseas transfers, had to confirm my identity and address by providing copies of driving license etc pretty much the same info you need to open a bank account. If they want any further information they are welcome to it and if it keeps my account safer good for them.

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The level and type of identification information that Paypal is reported to be seeking is far beyond and in excess of the usual requirements of a commercial financial services entity.

It seems you remain unaware PJ that Australia has privacy laws that must be abided by and apply to large private sector entities, such as Paypal..

[amber-eyed-girl]

I agree with both of you 🙂

Basic information, fine.

Any additional information, I would think about in terms of whether it was of benefit security wise vs. privacy invasion.

[cherry*135]

What is this additional information they require? What are the questions?

If the aim is scam detection( preventing stolen credit cards being used etc)  then I don't mind..

[lyndal1838]

Am, there is a thread active at the moment where the OP is being asked to provide his Tax file number and his Social Security number.  At first we all assumed it was a scam email but he has rung paypal many times and it seems to be genuine.  He has already provided the usual Aussie information....passport, drivers licence utility bills etc but still paypal is demanding the other information, despite being told that Australians do not have a social security number and that no-one has the right to your tax file number except the ATO.

[gec2002]

Not strictly correct that financial institutions cannot ask for your TFN.  They are entitled to ask but you are under no obligation to provide it, however if you don't they may withhold tax etc..

If they request a TFN's, a person must be told:
The legal basis for collection
That declining to quote a TFN is not an offence; and
The consequences of not quoting a TFN

If not told they are in breach of the Act.

[lyndal1838]

gec, paypal is not entitled to collect tax on behalf of the ATO therefore they have no reason or right to ask for anyone's TFN.

As an employer I can ask for a TFN because I need to pay tax to the ATO on behalf of the employee.  If I do not have it I must forward tax at a different rate.

Companies that I have shares in are entitled to have my TFN as they have to account to the ATO.

Paypal does not pay me anything and are not forwarding tax to the ATO on my behalf so they are not entitled to have it or even ask for it.

[gec2002]

Never said Paypal could collect tax I said not providing a TFN may have implications. 

Paypal has authority under subsection 9(3)of the Banking Act 1959 to carrying on banking business in Australia.  They are therefore an authorised Financial Instution and as such have the right to ask for your TFN.

[lyndal1838]

Paypal does not have the right to your tax file number as they are not paying interest on your money and not forwarding money to the ATO on your behalf.

Paypal never holds my money....it is simply a money forwarding service as far as I am concerned.  It is a SERVICE industry, not a banking institution, which is why they do ask for proof that the bank accounts and credit cards attached to paypal are indeed my/your accounts.