Proof of age

Ashy · July 30, 2025, 11:32:01 AM

I tried to buy a tool accessory on eBay and I find that I have to prove my age. The only proof they are offering is a credit card number - not a debit card. The tool concerned is described as a blade but I doubt if it would injure anyone, it's after all less than three inches long and the toothed part is about a quarter of an inch wide.

Doing a little research I find that without a credit card - and I haven't got one - I can't buy a chain saw, not that I want one; I can't buy a 6" junior hacksaw, or even a junior hacksaw blade, but I can buy a 15" sourdough cutter, which is a vicious looking extra long breadknife. Please make it make sense.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oDkAAOSwLi9ne6dZ/s-l1600.webp

Scrumpy · July 30, 2025, 11:58:18 AM

I don't have a credit card.. Just a debit card..
I'm sure if you needed any of the 'Sharpies' they have some 'Behind the counter' at the Co-op..

Ashy · July 30, 2025, 12:04:19 PM

If I could walk as far as the Co-op I wouldn't be looking on eBay.

Raven · July 30, 2025, 01:00:23 PM

What about Amazon? I seldom use Amazon so I'm not sure. Failing that I'm sure Temu will have them. Not everything they sell is cheap rubbish. You get what you're prepared to pay for.

JBR · July 30, 2025, 02:31:46 PM

Quote from: Raven on July 30, 2025, 01:00:23 PMWhat about Amazon? I seldom use Amazon so I'm not sure. Failing that I'm sure Temu will have them. Not everything they sell is cheap rubbish. You get what you're prepared to pay for.

I use Amazon a lot and have always found their items of good quality and reliable. They usually deliver the next day or the day after.

Ashy · July 30, 2025, 05:30:05 PM

I'm not sure where Amazon stands on proof of age, last time I bought a kitchen knife from them it was down to the delivery driver. I won't pass for under 20 again I'm afraid, I don't think the driver asked for proof.

Mups · July 30, 2025, 05:42:09 PM

Quote from: Ashy on July 30, 2025, 05:30:05 PMI'm not sure where Amazon stands on proof of age, last time I bought a kitchen knife from them it was down to the delivery driver. I won't pass for under 20 again I'm afraid, I don't think the driver asked for proof.

I know it must be a bit of a nuisance, but on the other hand, I think it is good that they are at least trying to make it more difficult for young kids to buy potential weapons online now.

It would probably be quicker to go to somewhere like Screwfix, B & Q, or Wickes (or whatever is in your area), and buy. You could also have a proper look at it first then, too.

klondike · July 31, 2025, 09:55:05 PM

I came across a site requiring proof of age because I'm in the UK and the new UK law requires that. That site was offering proof of age by taking my picture. I thought it would be quicker and easier to just turn on my VPN so I did that instead and became a Belgian.

I have a credit card for a couple of reasons one being it pays me cashback on purchases and second because you get better legal protection on purchases using one than you do from using a debit card.

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit/how-youre-protected-when-you-pay-by-card

I took the option of paying it off in full by direct debit to avoid their horrible interest rates. There is another minor benefit in as much as you automatically pay between one and two months later than a purchase which means slightly more interest from a savings account.

Alex · August 01, 2025, 06:54:24 AM

Which VPN do you use Klondy ?

klondike · August 01, 2025, 07:54:38 AM

I have Surfshark. I took a 3 year deal a while ago. Just the cheapest option. As you know I download any TV stuff and some of the sites I use were blocked by BT under a court order who I was with at the time. This proof of age nonsense is going to be a PITA and I expect there will be a sizeable takeup of VPNs. Perhaps some Labour folk have shares in these companies.

There are completely free options such as TunnelBear but they offer limited data allowances so you need to remember to only have them active while needed.

Using a VPN is a security option when using public WiFi - something I don't often do these days but without a VPN there is a small chance of some of your personal data being hacked. Not necessarily by the providers as anybody using the free network can capture the data packets using and if it isn't encrypted passwords and the like can be extracted. https://www.fortinet.com/uk/resources/cyberglossary/man-in-the-middle-attack#:~:text=2.%20Wi%2DFi%20eavesdropping