Why is it so creepy to verify my SW account?

When I made my account years back I was an EP refugee like many others, coming over to SW to test the waters. Back then I didn't find myself impressed with SW and so I didn't hang around for long. I recently came back to give this site a second chance but I find the method of verifying my account is pretty creepy... I mean holding up a piece of paper with my name and date on it and taking a picture makes me feel like a hostage to some terrorist organization who is being ransomed. Not even sites like facebook ask for stuff like this.

How many people out there on SW actually did this? And is there any benefit to verifying your account?

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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

Creepy only because it's thankfully not a real verification. It can be faked if you know how.

Someone mentioned below that Facebook doesn't have a verification.

I happen to know this not true. They just don't require it until you are reported as fake. I lost two accounts because I was reported as fake back in 2015 before I joined this site.

No I won't ever verify myself on any site.

Phaethon · M

@DeWayfarer Yeah, I think facebook will straight up ask for your drivers license sometimes. Which strangely feels safer than taking a creepy picture, heh.

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

@Phaethon they will as well accept utility bills.

Think just how that can be faked.

A real verification would be through verifyme.com or such. They actually look things up and have two factor authentication.

And it's free to the users.