| Tips for Avoiding
Fraudulent Applicants |
You have
to know what to watch out for when you screen your potential
applicants. Here are some tips to make sure they are who they
say they are:
Check the application for errors and any information
that strikes you as false. Always ask the applicant to clarify
suspicious data and engage them in a conversation. Most lies or
attempts to hide information, will become apparent.
Ask for a complete history of residence. If they have
moved long distances numerous times in a short period, ask why.
Always verify their work history including length of
employment, position and salary. Then make sure their work
history matches up with the residence history.
Check all forms of identification including: social
security card, driver’s license, pay stub, W-2 form or a
currently utility or phone bill. Compare the name and address
from these to what has been provided on the rental application.
Make sure the signatures on the applicant’s ID matches
the signatures on your rental application. If it looks
significantly different, have the applicant sign their name
right in front of you.
Be aware of suspicious behavior such as the applicant
acting nervous or appearing to withhold or modify information.
Do they struggle to remember their social security number or
address? Do they come across as being pushy about moving in?
These should be red flags to you to use your gut instinct.
Does the credit report come back with numerous
inquiries within a short period of time? It’s not always true,
but this can be an indicator of someone who has opened
fraudulent accounts.
Don’t accept a credit report directly from the
applicant – always use Rate-a-Renter as these documents can be
altered.
Applicants that come back with “No Credit Found” should
be suspect. Not everyone has credit; but they are a minority
(unless they are new to the US or are under 18). |
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Call us at 1 800 APSCREEN (277-2733)
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