Asking for a government ID is normal at some point in real hiring. Asking for a photo of one before a real interview, over text or email, is not.
When an ID request is legitimate
Real employers confirm your identity through the I-9 process, which happens after you accept an offer, and they do it in person or through a secure, named verification system. A genuine employer does not ask you to text or email a photo of your passport or driver's license before you have interviewed and received a written offer.
Why scammers want it
An image of your ID is a building block for identity theft. Combined with your date of birth and Social Security number, it can be used to open accounts, file fake tax returns, or pass identity checks in your name. Consumer groups like the Identity Theft Resource Center have warned that fake job offers are now a common way scammers harvest these documents.
What it looks like
A fast "hire" with no real interview, then an onboarding step that asks you to upload or send a photo of your ID "for HR," "for payroll setup," or "to verify you." The request comes early, feels routine, and is often paired with a request for your SSN or bank details.
What to do right now
- Do not send a photo of your ID, passport, or license.
- Verify the company and recruiter yourself, through the company's real website, not the message.
- If the role is real, you can complete I-9 verification properly after a signed offer.
- If something is off, report it to the FTC.
This often travels with requests for your bank account or SSN and with recruiter impersonation. If you already sent your documents, start the recovery checklist and freeze your credit. The complete guide puts it in context.
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