Identify fake tenants by vetting applications for inconsistencies, requiring government-issued IDs, and independently verifying employment and income through pay stubs or tax documents. Red flags include urgency to move in, offering cash upfront, and providing references that seem fake. Always run your own credit and background checks rather than accepting documents provided by the applicant.
15 Common Tenant Scams & How Landlords Can Avoid Them
Since February 2023, there have been several ways for landlords to check tenants right to rent.
Scammers will almost always ask for money up front, like a security deposit or first and last month's rent. If you're not sure about where it's going, don't send it. Money sent via wire service or e-transfers will be as good as gone. Whenever possible, try to make payments with a credit card.
Scammers use phrases that create urgency, fear, or excitement, demanding immediate action like "Act now!" or "Don't hang up," and often involve requests for gift cards or Bitcoin, combined with threats of account compromise or promises of huge rewards (e.g., "You've won!") to bypass logic. Key tactics include isolation ("Don't tell anyone"), emotional manipulation (love bombing, family emergencies), and unusual requests to move money in specific ways (Bitcoin ATMs, secret accounts).
To check if a rental is legitimate, never pay before seeing it, verify ownership via public records, use Google Maps/reverse image search on photos, research the landlord's license/company, and avoid wire transfers/gift cards, watching for red flags like too-low prices or pressure to act fast. Always meet the landlord, get a signed lease, and use secure payment methods like credit cards.
To verify a landlord is legit, confirm ownership via public records (county clerk/assessor), meet them in person or video call (never rent sight-unseen), check IDs/licenses, ask for references, research online for scams/reviews, and ensure the lease is professional and you pay securely, avoiding immediate cash payments or high-pressure tactics. Scammers avoid direct verification, so be cautious if they refuse to meet or provide documentation.
It's essential to use screening tools such as tenant background checks and credit checks (credit reports). You can also verify criminal records during the pre-rental screening. This will help you find a solvent tenant who will be respectful of your property and pay their rent on time.
Ask questions about the applicant's rental history, including length of tenancy, rental payments, and whether there were any complaints or problems. Request a reference from the applicant's current landlord. Verify that the information provided by the applicant matches the information provided by the references.
BeenVerified is not a tenant screening site, and landlords should not use it for reviewing tenant applications. It is often inaccurate, and landlords need to rely on information that is as accurate as possible. Working with accredited screening sites can help ensure you access that reliable information.
Visit the state government's police website where the property is situated. Find the online police verification form on the website. Either fill it online or download it. Enter the required details of the tenant and landlord, including the details related to name, address, and other essential details.
Top 10 Red Flags of a Problem Tenant
Report rental scams or scammers when you find them
You can also report a fraudulent listing to Zillow. Zillow's Help Center explains how to report a suspicious listing and offers more tips about what to watch out for. Be sure to keep copies of all communications between you and the possible scammer.
Use public records and property databases
You can usually search by using the address and going through your local government office or online portals like tax assessor records, property deed databases, or local property databases.
Factors you can use when choosing a tenant
How to Identify an Illegal Unit
To verify a landlord is legit, confirm ownership via public records (county clerk/assessor), meet them in person or video call (never rent sight-unseen), check IDs/licenses, ask for references, research online for scams/reviews, and ensure the lease is professional and you pay securely, avoiding immediate cash payments or high-pressure tactics. Scammers avoid direct verification, so be cautious if they refuse to meet or provide documentation.
Here's a list of seven symptoms that call for attention.