Digikey needing photo ID?! Safe?

[Justinasia]

I tried ordering some stuff from Digikey. I filled in all my credit card details and address and all that. I finished the process and it all seemed fine. Then after some time I got an email from them saying they needed me to send them a copy of some photo ID, such as photo driving license or passport. They said they needed it for their accounts. That sounded really weird to me. I have never needed to email or fax photo ID before for using a credit card. I would like to know if anyone else has used Digikey and whether you had to do the same. I need the parts but I am suspicious.
Thank you!
Justin

 

[jackinnj]

Everyone is paranoid about the U.S. Treasury's enforcement efforts against money-laundering (AML). Two years ago I wrote an offering memorandum for a deal -- everything went fine until we had to contend with the outside lawyers and the AML language -- it's amazing that anything gets done in the U.S. We have about 10x as many lawyers as doctors here.

 

[sam9]

Digikey pretty large organization. I buy items for personal use. My employer buy literally $millions per year from them. I've never had a hint of anything shady.

Apart from money laundering concerns, the photo ID requirement may may have something to do export controls. Some Digikey items are on list of materials classified as "munitions". Nearly anything with programmable logic or that may e associated with GPS could be on the list.

"Microwaves are mightier than the sword."

 

[Sonusthree]

..... Some Digikey items are on list of materials classified as "munitions". Nearly anything with programmable logic or that may e associated with GPS could be on the list........

I bought a Dell computer here in the UK, a few years ago, and had to sign several documents to say that I would not use the computer for terrorist activities.
It's good to know that America is so secure!

Martin.

 

[kevinkr]

First time doing business with Digikey after 9/11 I actually received a phone call about my order and had to fax a copy of my drivers license to them..