I'm brand new to BitCoins.
I've been considering buying BitCoins for the first time ever by using PayPal.
As I considered doing so I was amazed how much personal information people selling BitCoins wanted from me.
I ended up feeling they might as well ask me for my PayPal password as well.
I mean, I don't even know these people and some wanted a picture of me standing next to my photo ID.
It made me feel rather uncomfortable. I don't like to give out personal information unless absolutely necessary.
I do business using PayPal quite often. Others don't ask for so much personal information.
I don't get it.
The whole concept of using BitCoin is supposedly to be as anonymous as possible, right?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Its common that its difficult to get bitcoin with paypal, mainly because paypal transactions can be reversed while bitcoin transactions cant. In order to minimize risks of getting scammed these informations are often requested. Pseudonymity (not the same as anonymity) is indeed a feature of bitcoin, which makes the paypal bitcoin exchange even more difficult. Id suggest you go to a local meet up and get a small amount for cash. Its quick, you can ask questions and no exchange of information is needed. Well, you will probably have to show your face.