Passport ID for playing fortnite?!

[TimeSlipMushroom]

DS 13 has just asked for his passport to scan for a fortnite "competition". Apparently he gets lots of free (virtual) stuff.
He's stormed off in a huff after I've told him it's the dodgiest thing I've heard!
Anyone know anything about this? Im technologically challenged

You have done well to deny this request. Who on earth would scan their passport to an online game? As you say, it's very dodgy indeed.

I know nothing other than if Ds had come asking my response wokld have been the the same. I can’t see how it can be anything but a fraud risk

Thank you. He's generally been sensible until now too. Apparently "millions of people" have done this included his best friend

There is no need for any legit company requiring passport data. Government departments sure, but not businesses.

It sounds like a good time to educate him about the different ways people get scammed. Maybe show him some scam emails (might be some on action fraud, watchdog, RIPOFF Britain, Martin Lewis website, banks websites). Hes going to need to know in the next couple of years anyway.

Just a thought, does he have his own phone? I have had several phone calls this week saying I am eligible for a brand new iPhone. I know its a scam but would he?