To create a safe redacted copy of your passport or official ID card, follow these steps:
- Take a clear, high-resolution photo or scan of your passport or ID card.
- Use non-transparent masking tape or photo editing software to cover any sensitive information such as your photograph, signature, personal identification number, home address, PIN number, parents names and any other information that you do not want to be visible. Your birthday should be visible in order for you to proof you are legally allowed to sign a contract.
- Write on the redacted copy the purpose of the copy and who it is for, for example, “Redacted copy of passport for job application – John Doe” or in case of a room rental write the date, Dutch postal code and house number.
- Always ask if the recipient has their own website with a secure upload system. If not, use GnuPG (also known as GPG) email encryption or a self-destructing file hosting service that will destroy the file after it has been downloaded by the intended recipient.
- Be aware of Advance fee fraud and never pay in advance for anything unless you are sure the receipts offer is legitimate.
- Remember that with stolen ID’s or passports, bank accounts can be easily acquired by fraudsters in order to receive payments from new victims.
- Always be cautious and be aware of the risk of identity fraud.
- When using GPG encryption, make sure to have the public key of the intended recipient to encrypt the file, and also make sure to keep your private key safe.
- When using a self-destructing file hosting service, make sure to verify the authenticity of the website and the service it provides, also make sure to use a strong password to secure your account.