In today’s rental market, tenant screening fraud is rising fast, and it’s becoming harder to catch. Fake documents, altered credit scores, and misleading information are making it difficult for property owners and managers to trust what they see during the application process.
As a property manager, spotting fraud is more important than ever. One mistake could lead to unpaid rent, property damage, or even legal issues. In this blog, we’ll break down how fraud happens, what red flags to look for, and how the right tenant screening services like BoomScreen can help protect your rental business.
The Rise of Tenant Screening Fraud
Tenant screening fraud happens when rental applicants give false or misleading information to improve their chances of being approved. This may include:
- Fake pay stubs
- Altered credit reports
- False employment information
- Using someone else’s identity
These types of fraud are more common today due to online editing tools and document templates that look professional. Many landlords and property managers assume they can spot fake documents—but the truth is, much of today’s fraud is hard to detect with the naked eye, especially with the rise of high-quality forged documents. Screening technology can help catch what humans might miss.
Why It’s a Big Problem for Property Managers
Fraudulent prospective tenants can cost you money and time. If someone fakes their income or credit score, they might not actually be able to afford the rent. This could lead to missed payments, lease violations, and even evictions - all of which impact your rental property’s performance.
Beyond lost rent, fraudulent tenants can also damage your reputation and reduce peace of mind for other renters in your community. A single bad tenant can create tension and hurt the overall experience.
Common Types of Tenant Screening Fraud
Falsified Income Documents
Applicants may upload fake pay stubs, W-2s, or employment letters to make it look like they earn more than they do.
Edited Credit Reports
Some people alter credit and background checks or submit a fake version of a credit report that shows a higher score or fewer debts.
Fake IDs or Stolen Identity
A few rental applicants may even try to use someone else’s name, Social Security number, or identity to pass the tenant background check.
Fake Employment Info
Applicants may provide phone numbers or email addresses that go to friends or fake employers during the verification process.
Red Flags to Look For
As a real estate professional or property management company, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Documents that are blurry, poorly formatted, or inconsistent
- Refusal to provide contact info for current employers or landlords
- Mismatched identity details or unverifiable SSNs
- Rush to sign a lease without asking detailed questions
- Pushback on application fee or background checks
Even with a good gut instinct, it’s hard to spot every trick. That’s why technology is key.
How the Right Tenant Screening Services Can Help
Using a trusted tenant screening service is one of the best ways to avoid application fraud. At Boom, we built BoomScreen to help landlords and property managers make smart, safe decisions with confidence.
Here’s how it works:
Verified Credit, Criminal, and Eviction Reports
BoomScreen connects with best-in-class data vendors to give you accurate and up-to-date tenant screening reports.
Income and Employment Validation
We use data validation and document analysis tools to help verify applicant income—via bank linking, payroll login, or document verification—and detect common signs of fraud.
ID and Identity Matching
BoomScreen verifies applicant identity to help detect stolen or altered information.
Application Tracking
You’ll have a digital paper trail of the full tenant screening process, making it easier to document everything and stay compliant.
Peace of Mind
You’ll get a full picture of your potential tenant without wasting time chasing down fake info.
Best Practices for Preventing Application Fraud
Even with the best tools, your team should follow some basic rules to lower your risk:
- Always charge an application fee. Fraudsters often skip properties that require payment.
- Use a structured application process. Build standardized application templates in BoomScreen.
- Double-check the details. Follow up on employer references and verify addresses.
- Avoid cash-only payments or unusual credit cards. This can be a sign of shady behavior.
- Stay consistent. Don’t make exceptions just because someone “seems nice” or says they’re in a rush.
Why BoomScreen Is Your Best Defense
BoomScreen is designed to simplify the tenant screening process while giving you tools to fight back against fraud. Whether you manage five units or 5,000, BoomScreen helps you:
- Screen faster
- Stay compliant
- Make better leasing decisions
- Avoid costly mistakes
With fraud on the rise, having a modern screening tool isn’t just helpful - it’s essential.
BoomScreen
Tenant screening fraud is a growing issue for property owners and managers across the country. Fake documents and misleading information are becoming more common, and old methods just aren’t enough anymore.
If you want to stay ahead of fraud in 2025, use a system built for today’s challenges. BoomScreen offers verified data, automated checks, and an easy way to keep your rental business safe.
Start screening smarter with BoomScreen today - your best defense against tenant screening fraud.
