Etsy Support Requires You to EMAIL the Last 4 of Your SSN?

[#1]

I have been trying to access one of my Etsy accounts but the verification code email never appears in my email box, for whatever reason (not in the spam or trash either). I have contacted Etsy support and, rightfully, they want to verify my identity before giving me access to the account. However, they expect me to use standard unsecured email to send them the last four digits of my SSN, bank account and bank card to do so. With data breaches and fraud rampant, what reputable company asks you to transmit such information via EMAIL and who, in their right mind, actually does so? 

I am effectively locked out of my account (while my bank is still being charged fees!) until I comply with their demands to put my private information at risk.

Anyone else experienced this or have a solution? Much thanks in advance!

[AzanaPhotoFrames]

@PieceByNumberQuilts   I looked at Proton Mail; seems good and secure. How does that work with Etsy for following up on the time expiration? Does Etsy read emails from sellers?

[PieceByNumberQuilts]

@AzanaPhotoFrames   Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean about "time expiration".   I suggested using Proton Mail as a way to email more securely than the most common email services, because the OP was concerned about providing secure information to Etsy support using standard email.  

From Etsy's perspective, I doubt they care which email service provider sellers use. But if a seller does need to communicate with Etsy, it makes sense to me to use a more secure service like Proton Mail.  

Someone below mentioned sending this more sensitive information via Etsy chat.  I'm personally not convinced Etsy chat is any more secure than Gmail or Hotmail, but if someone here knows, please chime in!

[HomesewnDesigns]

I had a problem a few months back and they (zesty) asked me to answer these questions via email.  I wrote back and told them I didn’t feel comfortable sending them the info via email. I told them that I would answer the questions via chat.  They responded and said they understood and retrieved the info from Etsy Chat.  

[BaggieAggie]

Etsy is not asking you to supply full numbers, just the last four digits, which is standard practice everywhere. It's perfectly safe to do so as no-one can do anything at all with such scant information.