Hi fellow LL,

Ok the subject sounds weird because it only allows limited number of character. The full subject name should be "Potential synthetic identity" which is a link in the credit report that I ran from MrLandlord. When I clicked the link, this was the explanation:

What does it mean?

The input consumer identity has unknown combinations of real and/or fictitious identity elements as well as other elements typical of synthetic identities.

What was generated?

System detected FCRA and GLBA attribute anomalies and/or discrepancies between input provided and known, established identities within our data network.

Suggested action: Require consumer to provide documentary proof of his/her identity.

Risk level: High

Ok this is a late 30's yo guy who showed me his passport card instead of a regular driver's license for photo ID. He drives. So, he must have his driver's license but for some reason didn't want to show it to me. His credit score is almost 800 with a stable job (been working there for 5 years). What bothered me was that I found his eviction record in 2016 (thanks for his unique first and last name) from the online county record, but MrLandlord showed that he's never been evicted. Hmm... He complained about the refrigerator being white and not match with the stainless steel stove. I told him that he's welcome to bring his own refrigerator. Frankly that's annoying.

So, I'm getting a mixed signal. With the synthetic identity, I wonder if I should pursue him further. What do my wise LL friends here think? Please share your thoughts. Thank you.

He's already testing to see how much he can push you around. First he wanted a stainless fridge - now he wants a double door stainless fridge. Next, he'll want water and ice dispensed from the door.

What did he say when you asked for his drivers license? I wouldn't assume he has a drivers license just because he's driving. Find out and let us know.

With a synthetic identity detected how could you know he has an 800 credit score and a stable job. Everything the reporting agencies give you has a high chance of being falsified. If this individual did in-fact create a false credit record, what do you think the chances of other documents (paystubs, bank statements, etc) are not faked as well. At a minimum I would require the drivers license and run a credit report with that info.

In reality, I would just pass but for being less than cooperative. If I read your posts correctly he asked for the refrigerator to be replaced twice. That's a big red flag for me. Once I'm ok with, once I give them the answer and they ask again they get an auto DQ for not being cooperative. Life's too short to deal with whiners. It won't stop with the refrigerator, it will be one request after another continually repeated trying to wear you down until they get their way.

Thank you everyone for your reply

RB[TN], hahaha agree. Would you accept him as your tenant?

Tim[CA], I'm collecting more applications. If I couldn't find someone better than him, I'll ask him about his driver's license.

JS[CA], very good point!

6x6[TN], yes I will do more research if he's my best candidate. Today I have 5 more prospects coming for showing. Fingers cross.

MikeA[TX], Thanks for more info about "synthetic identity". How do I run credit check against driver's license? The system at MrLandlord only requires name, SSN, DOB, and address. Would running credit check against someone's driver's license more accurate or give more info? Please advise. Good point about not being cooperative. I had the same thought.

Odd. I do know plenty of people who drive without a license though. The fridge is a no. Especially when you try to double upgrade it. If I had the time,just to see if I was right on the spidey sense, I would double check everything. I like to ask current LLs questions that I know are wrong. Example:Jon pays $800 in rent plus sewer,etc? On paper Jon wrote he pays $900 plus no sewer. Little things trip friends up. Or sometimes current/prior to current doesn't get back to me so a DQ.

Chicago LL,

The younger the prospect the less I worry about comments and requests. The internet is full of articles telling renters to ask the LL for discounts, etc so I place the ref request under "that's what the internet trained him to do" category.

Caution: if he submitted an application you MUST document a legitimate reason for delaying or denying his application to protect yourself against a discrimination lawsuit.

I would document that "he was not happy with the ref and did not provide DL, so we could not complete his app".

(your WRITTEN screening criteria must require a DL)

Also, a biggie...This smells of paid Fair Housing "police" TESTER as mystery shopper to report back how YOU broke discrimination laws. Whenever I get a weird one I slow down and make certain I do everything PERFECTLY under the assumption I am being tested.

FWIW We don't talk to prospects or do showings. Good online descriptions, photos, walkthru video, leave some lights on and a few blinds open. We START with their appl so we don't waste time (and personal safety) on showings.

Also I take the position it's THEIR job to provide info for approval, not mine to get it.

Only trust your gut when it's telling you "Something's not right here".

Ask him if he has a driver's license and if that was him with the eviction and what that was all about.

You can look up how to tell a real passport card, and that should be excellent identification if it is a genuine card. A person must qualify to get passport before they can get one of those.

People with 800 credit scores have a tendency to expect better service. They have more options about rentals than the slob with a 500 credit score who has to take whatever he can get. I just tell them that they are welcome to provide their own refrigerator but to be sure to store the old one ion a safe place so it is still working when they move out

Maybe someone was willing to give him their passport card (and keep their own passport) so he could use it. Maybe even alter the picture?

If a person is using another's passport card, they could just as easily use another person's driver's license. Look at the photo on the card. Is it a photo of your applicant? Is the card embossed and have laser engraving and a ghost image?

Synthetic ID - made up person.......

why rent to them if they are caught in a lie upfront?

Ray, isn't denying because of death a form of discrimination?