Across the country identity theft continues to be an enormous challenge. Seemingly every day there is another announcement of a significant data breach, one that exposes millions of people to identity theft.
Recent data breaches include:
- Capitol One – 100 million People
- Equifax – 143 million People
- Marriott – 383 million People (1)
The information gained and the results of a data breach varies, but the numbers involved should make everyone that exchanges data cautious.
Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “Companies that use critical data such as social security numbers and consumer credit reports must provide the greatest security possible in order to protect data. It is not always easy, as seen with recent data breaches, but diligence and maintaining the most secure protocols goes a long way.”
However, in Charlotte, North Carolina, one family experienced identity theft when an individual started renting apartments using stolen data.
From WSOCTV.com (Jul 11, 19):
One of the apartments in her name was at Somerstone Estates. The manager there told Channel 9 this looks like a subleasing scheme they’ve seen before, where someone rents an apartment with stolen information and then finds someone else to sublease it and pays them directly. (2)
But identity theft can potentially take place from within.
In Salt Lake City a live-in maintenance worker went back to prison for a parole violation. In the course of searching her room officials discovered critical personal data of the residents. Access to this data was not part of the maintenance worker’s job description. (3)
Almeida adds: “Renting a property is stressful for both parties. Landlords need to vet potential renters and verifying critical data such as consumer credit history and eviction records is an important part of the process. And for renters providing this data, there is always a concern about the security of information provided. Ultimately, using a hyper secure data portal for tenant screening such as SmartMove may be the answer.”
TenantScreeningUSA.com in partnership with TransUnion provides SmartMove.
Landlords – It’s most likely been a challenge to obtain the background information you need to get a more complete picture of your rental applicant-until now. Gain access to your potential tenant’s credit report, criminal report and a leasing recommendation without costly onsite inspections, monthly minimums or annual fees. Since the renter is part of the process, the renter consents to having his or her information viewed by you.
Renters – For the first time, rental applicants have some control over their sensitive, private data when it comes to background checks. Typically, you’d give your potential landlord your Social Security number (SSN) as part of your lease application. But they don’t need your SSN, and chances are, they don’t want it. With SmartMove, you verify your identity to TransUnion and they send the landlord only your credit and criminal history. Identifying data like SSN, birth date and account numbers are masked to protect your privacy.
For more information please go to www.TenantScreeningUSA.com.
TenantScreeningUSA.com provides full service tenant screening for landlords and property managers of any size and can greatly assist in remaining fully compliant with all existing law governing tenant screening. With a highly trained and experienced staff, TenantScreeningUSA.com can provide help to landlords and property managers with all tenant screening needs.
Notes
(1) cnet.com/how-to/its-not-just-equifax-heres-every-major-security-breach-and-data-hack-so-far/
(2) wsoctv.com/news/-i-want-my-info-back-apartments-rented-out-by-identity-thieves/965192011
(3) sltrib.com/news/2019/04/11/salt-lake-city-apartment/
