Job Discussion Forums

[ChinaBus]

I have just recently started my quest in learning about the process to enter into china on a z-visa.

The question I have concerns identity theft and the proper procedure for information transfer.

I obviously don't want to just scan my passport and throw it up online somewhere for anyone to see, however it is necessary to exchange this information with a representative in a foreign country to begin the process of attaining visas and ultimately employment.

I read in another post that you should get a copy of their SAFEA Cert. before sending your passport scan. What is the proper process for this?

What information should I recieve first to validate they are a true employer and not someone phishing for my passport scan?

What can someone do with a passport scan concerning identity theft?

When I get over to China what is the proper procedure for Residency Permit? Should I ever give the establishment/school my passport? I have heard stories about not being able to get it back in some cases. I mean being in another country and giving someone else your passport does not sound like the smartest idea unless it is the government.

I am concerned about identity theft and also my passport being used as a means for leverage while in China. If anyone can give me first hand experience or direct me to some helpful information concerning this I would highly appreciate it.

[johntpartee]

I've never hesitated to send a scan of my passport to a prospective employer. The threat of identity theft is minimal. There are at least three hotels in Hong Kong alone that have scans of my passport that are accessible to any desk clerk that wants to see it. Mine and hundreds of thousands of other foreigners. Anybody who has the technology to steal your identity with passport info could just as easily create a new person. I know some people who blank out the passport number, but I've never bothered.

[ChinaBus]

do the schools need your passport number when applying for z-visa or do you just need a letter from them and then you go through the process?

[daCabbie]

You are gonna have to show a scanned copy of your passport way before you can even consider the visa process. You will have to attach it to any job you apply for.

No one is going to steal your identity with a scanned copy of your passport. If you are that paranoid, than maybe China is not the place for you. There are several times throughout that you will need to give up your passport so your school can get documents processed. If it is difficult for you to do so, stay at home. It is much safer there.

In five years of teaching in China, I have probably given scanned copies of my passport to over 200 different schools, recruiters and other people. Nothing bad has ever become of it.

[ChinaBus]

When something is new you don't know what to expect I have no knowledge base to work from so that is why im asking these questions.

Thanks for your input and any other input is also highly valued.

[dog backwards]

If you are merely APPLYING for consideration for a job, you can photoshop/paintshop your passport ID number off the scan. If the school wants you, it'll request a passport scan with the number on it.

I agree with the others that the threat of ID theft is minimal to nonexistent. If you are dealing with a recruiter or dealing directly with the school, you aren't just "throwing your ID online". You have a much greater chance of having your ID stolen when you put your resume and your photo online.

[AussieAtLarge]

You should not ever send anyone your passport unless they have an absolute need to know and you know who you are dealing with. Many embassies will warn you of this. Hotels scan passports because it is a government mandated directive and there are some checks and balances in place such as CCTV cameras, employee screening, controlled access, and government monitoring.

Posting a passport on the Internet for some clown recruiter or an ESL school is a fool's game. If they have your passport and they have your resume, they can conduct ID theft. Many schools steal that information and they sell it on the black markets. They can take your passport scan and email someone asking for your data as proof of the sender being you. In some cases the receiver will believe it and then they have the jack pot. Don't be so damn naive.

I took a photo of my passport at a distance of about 2 meters. They can see it is from my country but they cannot see any data. If I want them to have it I will go in person to check their school licenses, etc. Use your head.

[dog backwards]

[clownshow]

[ChinaBus]

What specific information should I request to use as verification of possible employers validity.

I read that before a passport scan should be sent I should:

1) Ask for their SAFEA Certificate.



Is there anything else that should be added to the list such as letter of intent for employment with the details outlined?

I mean what checks or balances should be in place so I can have information to research and be sure they are a legitimate company?

[AussieAtLarge]

I have a notarized letter from my embassy that states I am a citizen of my country and it is well accepted. The letter also states that I hold a valid passport as was verified by the embassy. That is enough "proof of citizenship" for any employer and so far, it has helped me to secure many jobs or job offers in China without risking the stealing and selling of my personal data. It does not list my passport number or my dob. I should point out that the SAFEA also accepts it without question or reservation.

As I already said, if I want to work for a specific school or business, I go in person to the business or school for an interview and at that time I can check things out before I start handing over my documents.

Comparing passport scans at a hotel in a controlled setting-vs-sending a scanned document to someone that you do not know in country X with X motivation while they claim t be a recruiter is really stupid. Next time you deal with any recruiter, ask them to send you a scanned copy of their business license, tax certificate and Chinese national ID card both front and back. You'll never get a reply. Information contained on a passport can be used to steal your ID. Once someone has it, they can simply create an ID on Yahoo, and send your passport to someone else while pretending to be you from an email address that appears to be you, and request other information.

They can impersonate you and request credit history, transcripts, and other personal data such as medical records etc. It is done daily and it is called ID theft.

Dear John Doe,

As evidenced by my passport scanned attached hereto, my name is Jane Doe and I recently lost my medical records, credit history, etc, etc. I am wondering if you can please help me to get a copy of my XYZ. If there are any fees for this, please let me know in advance. I am currently in China on business...

Depending upon the laws in your own country and who gets the email and how it is written, they now have more of your records and pretty soon they can scan those and scan some more.

Dear John Doe,

Attached here it my drivers license, college transcripts, current photo, a recent utility bill, my diploma, and a copy of my passport. As you can see, I am Jane Doe, and I am currently living in China. I need a certified copy of my birth certificate so that I can apply for XYZ college here in China.....

Dear John Doe,

After recently reading about your special rates for an online car purchase I was compelled to write you as I am getting ready to return home from overseas and I will need a new car. Attached hereto are all of my personal records as proof of my ID so that we can start the credit application process....

That's how it works peeps.

[wangdaning]

Would be all fine and dandy, and I would rather not share such information, but they need your passport number to apply for the invitation letter. The invitation letter needs to have your full name and passport number on it. Otherwise, how could they know you are the same person who got the invitation letter (you might just have the same name).

[daCabbie]

The best advice anyone has ever given me while working in China was, 'To get along, you have to go along.'

Start demanding to see certificates and a lot of verification and see how far you get. You are greatly reducing your pool of possible schools and labeling yourself as a problem before you even get here.

Good luck.

[dog backwards]