Just Got This Email from Traffic Pimps - Is this the new norm??

[Aiço]

So I just got this email from Traffic Pimps. Is this just because of the Bank & Processor they use? Or is this going to be the new normal for all programs?? I don't really promote them at all, so, I won't be providing any of this, but, if other programs start requiring this shit, I can see things getting bad really quickly.

Here's the full email:

Thank you for continuing as an affiliate to TrafficPimps, the home of CherryPimps, WildonCam, Pimp.XXX and more.

As you are likely aware there have been more and more regulations and restrictions placed on our business and I am emailing you today to make you aware of some new and more stringent payment regulations that fall under the category of Know Your Customer (KYC).

Our banks and payment solution providers are requiring detailed information about the individuals and companies that we are paying for services and intangible products. In order for us to be in compliance with these tightening regulations, we are required to ask you to provide the appropriate documents from the list below.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS

- Passport or state issued ID
- Proof of address (utility bill or similar)
- W9 (US Only)
- W8 Ben (non-US)

REQUIREMENTS FOR US DOMESTIC COMPANIES

- Documentation that clearly states the names of each owner/shareholder of the Company and the percentage of ownership interest of each shareholder/owner. Example documentation includes Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Association, Bylaws or an Operating Agreement.
- Certificate of Formation
- IRS Assignment Notification (EIN)

Individuals listed as stockholders or members on any of the above need to provide-

- Passport or state issued ID
- Proof of address (utility bill or similar)
- W9 (US Only)

REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES

- Local standard documents regarding business formation that includes information about the ultimate beneficiary or beneficiaries.

Individuals listed as stockholders or members on any of the above need to provide-

- Passport or state issued ID
- Proof of address (utility bill or similar)
- W8 Ben (non-US)

FOR ALL ENTITIES - DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL

- If the company that is being paid is owned by another company, the same documents should be submitted for the parent company.

We understand this is not an easy or agreeable requirement, but this is something beyond our control and will only help to prevent fraud and protect our business further. We will also contact you directly to work through this process. We will unfortunately not be able to process any payments until we receive the required information.

You can log directly into your TrafficPimps account to sunit your information on the My Account page: TrafficPimps - My Account

...or Send the required information direct to: TrafficPimps - Accounting

Again my apologies for this request, but it is out of our hands and hope that we can continue to work together.

If you have questions you can reach us my email or skype to discuss. TrafficPimps - Contact Us

Thanks in advance.

[MP]

I got one from Metart also.

[Aiço]

How exactly do affiliates launder money? Last I checked porn sites don't accept cash. Seems more like another shady attempt to weed out the smaller affiliates, and keep their payments.

[Toby]

How exactly do affiliates launder money?

Obviously they don't. Bank regulations keep tightening, with the intent of making all companies identify who they are paying money too. Not that this is going to reduce non-existent money laundering by affiliates, but it could slow down unscrupulous programs, funneling money to bogus affiliate accounts.

Personally I think it's an overly broad regulation, or overly broad interpretation of the regulation, but businesses tend to jump through hoops when the banks or accountants fart too loud.

My 2¢, FWIW.

[geirlur]

New mail from traffic pimps

As you likely heard we had begun collecting KYC, Know Your Customer, documents at the request of our banks and payment solution providers.

In order to make this easier for our the affiliates uneasy with providing such information we have been able to create a payment solution that will alleviate the burden. This new system will allow us to continue working with affiliates offering them payout by check, wire, ACH deposit, and Paxum; under the following parameters.

For ALL Affiliates earning under $5,000 USD per period will need to provide:

- W9 (US Only)
- W8 Ben (non-US)

For ALL Affiliates earning over $5,000 USD per period will need to fully comply with KYC requirements as detailed previously.

[Aiço]

New mail from traffic pimps

Yep, just saw that. Good move by them.

[Toby]

Yep, just saw that. Good move by them.

That begs the question... why aren't the others doing the same?

I would suspect any increase in costs would be less than the loss of income from affiliates that stop promoting the program. It may be prohibitive for small programs, but Metart isn't small by any stretch.

[faxxaff]

It is a shady way of keeping payments from affiliates imho. Sponsors are neither banks nor law enforcement. They have no authority to ask for IDs at all. And in most cases they won't be able to keep your information confidential in terms of their legal responsibilities. Giving them ID copies is a huge risk. I wouldn't give them anything.

The only ones that are having issues are affiliates getting paid from sponsors who make explicit porn references. I had 2 bank accounts cancelled because of that. I am very tired of the amateurish bullshit from adult sponsors and their ladyboy spam. I rather not promote them and cherry pick a small selection instead.