Did Anyone Get a Weird Letter from elotteryfreeway?

I redeemed my points for money again, and this time, instead of my usual check in 2 weeks I got an email from them asking me for my social security number. The email said that the IRS required it from them now. I emailed them back and told them that they could send me the form from the IRS to complete and I would gladly complete it and send it to them, notarized if necessary.
They emailed me back, almost immediately and told me that they also needed a photo copy of my driver's license or passport.!!!
I called the IRS, and they told me that all the site could require was my ss# and that was only if I won a certain amount of money.
I emailed the site back and told them this, still offering to sign and return an official IRS form to them if necessary. No response. Anyone else have this problem. I have always been able to cash out in the past (over 300 dollars so far!!!). This check was for less than 40 dollars.
Just wondering.

[nanook53]

Did you ever receive your money from elottery? I want to cash in my points also but I don't want to give them my soc. sec. #.

[realaud]

The IRS considers these cash payouts earnings. If you earn more than $600 from a single company they must supply a 1099 and must have your ss# and you must report it on your tax return. Since they have no way of knowing in advance what you will earn for the year, they can ask for the ss # before distributing money. Although I think that their db is quite cabable of adding up the total at the end of the year and asking for this info, however, the chances of getting your ss# AFTER they have paid you doesn't seem likely, so they ask for it in advance.

I agree, asking for your drivers license or passport is a bit extreme (not to mention shady).

I guess it all boils down to whether you want to continue with this program or give it up.