1. When applicant details don’t add up
Some applicants submit documents that look legitimate at first glance but are altered, borrowed, or completely fabricated. These materials are often designed to pass a quick review and can include pay stubs, tax documents, or employment references. In a case reported by NBC Boston, a husband and wife dubbed “professional tenants” were indicted on more than 50 criminal charges for providing fake credit reports, pay stubs, and other documents while living in homes without paying rent, thereby scamming small property owners out of over $100,000.
What to watch for:
How to help protect yourself:
• Application details that don’t align, such as conflicting addresses or job histories • Documents that appear edited, pixelated, or inconsistent in formatting • Applicants who resist identity verification or pressure you to move forward quickly
• Use AAOA’s secure online tenant screening with built-in identity verification • Verify employers and landlord references using official company contact information • Avoid sharing personal or financial details outside trusted rental platforms
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