The research identified the top 15 fraud indicators based on their ability to help predict a negative outcome within 12 months after a renter applied for a lease. Another leading indicator was having eight or more credit inquiries within four days, further underscoring the predictive strength of unusually high inquiry activity.
TransUnion analyzed more than 1.1 million renters who moved during 2024 and tracked charge-offs within one year after moving as a proxy for fraud-related risk.
Top Five Fraud Indicators on Renter Applications
|
Type of Indicator |
Percentage of Renters Who Have Charge-offs Within 12 Months of Applying |
|
15 or more credit inquiries within the past seven days |
32% |
|
Current address is a truck stop |
30% |
|
Eight or more credit inquiries within the past four days |
23% |
|
Extended fraud alert on file |
22% |
|
Listed phone number is governmental |
20% |
“The average rental housing provider writes off…
This remains the most prevalent form of financial crime globally. It targets the direct access points to your money: your cards and your bank accounts.
- Skimming: Criminals use small devices called “skimmers” placed over ATM or point-of-sale card slots to capture the data from your card’s magnetic strip.
- Card-Not-Present (CNP) Fraud: This occurs during online shopping where a physical card isn’t required. Thieves use stolen card numbers, expiry dates, and CVV codes to make unauthorized purchases.
- Account Takeover (ATO): A hacker gains access to your online banking credentials (often through malware or phishing) and changes the contact details or passwords, locking you out while they drain your funds.