Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Tenant Screening
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated 7 months ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

15
Posts
17
Votes
Peter Christensen
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Shoreview, MN
17
Votes |
15
Posts

Is the applicant cheating the application/possibly using a stolen identity?

Peter Christensen
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Shoreview, MN
Posted

I have always used Zillow's tenant screening application process to screen tenants in the past, and it's worked out for me so far.  I am currently considering an applicant that looks kind of fishy, but I wonder if I'm being paranoid.  I've heard of people just putting their friends or family down as rental references and such, and forging pay stubs, but always hoped I would never encounter this.  Right now, I'm pretty suspicious.

The good news is that her credit score is over 750, and I usually want over 700.  Everyone over 700 has never given me any trouble, but as you'll see, I now am doubting that's her actual score.

I went to call her rental reference, and right away, I was suspicious.  I'm based here in Minnesota.  The applicant told me she's relocating from Miami, FL.  I gave her a virtual tour of the property via Facetime tonight and asked her if she was ready for a Minnesota winter, and she told me she's actually from Minnesota and moving back home.  So when I saw her listed address in Miami, I was confused as to why an area code for the Twin Cities was the number for the rental manager for her apartment.  I googled the address, and it comes up as a condo for down there, but why would a 952 number be the rental manager for an apartment in Miami?  Oh well, perhaps that's another person who relocated.

But then her work reference was for a remote job based out of Pennsylvania, and the number for her reference there was also a 952 number.  The coincidences are adding up now to where I'm very suspicious.  I checked her paystubs, and I can't find the company listed on it, other than one that has a slightly different spelling.  The paystub also has misspellings of the city the office is supposedly located in.

So then I tried googling her, and a woman in Miami, FL with the same name does exist, but she looks nothing like the woman I facetimed with tonight.  I'm now wondering if this woman stole her identity, and that woman is the one with the good credit score.

Am I crazy paranoid, or on to something?  Anyone else caught someone cheating the application process?

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

2,827
Posts
1,930
Votes
Charles Carillo
  • Rental Property Investor
  • North Palm Beach, FL
1,930
Votes |
2,827
Posts
Charles Carillo
  • Rental Property Investor
  • North Palm Beach, FL
Replied

@Peter Christensen

It is great that you are being really thorough with your tenant screening. I have never called a reference before in my life. It is pretty easy to find 1 to 2 people who say you were the greatest tenant ever. 

Typically, the easiest way to verify this is to request additional documentation. Request a copy of her ID (if you have not done so already). Ask for 1-3 months of their most recent bank statements. It is hard to edit bank statements where the name, address, font, and spacing line up correctly for multiple months; usually, they are slightly off. If they look fine, do you see her employer's name there making deposits? If you still are unsure, have them send you a copy of their most recent (FPL) utility bill. Most fraudsters are not going to go through all of this.

Loading replies...