eBay proof of ID

[New Girl]

I am a complete amateur at eBay. I've just bought an item on eBay for a lot of money and the seller is asking for proof of identity. A copy of passport/driving licence and utility bill. Is this normal? As you can imagine I am really reticent to just give this up. Has anyone experienced this before? Does anyone have suggestions or advice as I need the item but don't want to willing give up my details. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[ed_pete]

I've been using eBay for years and never have been asked for proof of ID though I guess it might depend in the item. It could also be that as a newbie you have no feedback - and so the seller wants to see some ID as some form of surety. As the buyer you can ask ebay to send you the sellers contact details and use these to speak to them direct. This might be your best approach. http://ocsnext.ebay.co.uk/ocs/sc There is a also an active discussion board on ebay whether others might be able to help http://community.ebay.co.uk/t5/Discussion-Boards/ct-p/13

[New Girl]

Thanks ed_pete. I took your advice and posted on the message board and it wasn't normal, nor is it ethical for that matter. I ended phoning ebay and they soon put a halt to that idea. Whether I get the item or not is another matter. But at least there won't be 75 other New Girl's walking the streets of the UK.