How to Prevent Identity Theft when Apartment Hunting

Knowing how to prevent identity theft is a big part of apartment hunting. If you don’t take some basic steps to protect your identity, you could find yourself the victim of a scam or worse, have all of your personal information compromised. Here are some things to do and things to avoid when searching for your next apartment.

Talk to the Property Manager in Person

Many apartment hunters have reported a multitude of identity theft scams through Craigslist and other free apartment listing sites. The ads will ask for your Social Security number, phone number, bank account number, employment verification and any other information you’d expect to give on a rental application. The ads will even have nice photos of apartment buildings. If you see an ad like this and you’re interested in the apartment, send an email asking for a phone number for more information. Don’t reply to the ad by giving out any personal information. Until you see the apartment and talk to the property manager face to face, don’t give out any of your info.

Check Local Laws

Research what information a property owner is allowed to ask for on a rental application in your city and state. If it’s not necessary to give your bank account information, don’t do so. Many owners will download a rental application from the Internet because they don’t know how to create one themselves, and sometimes applications will ask for information that’s not legal or even necessary.

Ask Questions

When you get an application, ask the property manager if they’ll accept alternatives to some of the personal information that’s requested on the application. For example, it’s better to provide copies of pay stubs than to give them your bank account number. Likewise, see if they’ll let you show them a copy of your credit report, rather than offering your Social Security number. Be up front with them and let them know that you’re concerned about identity theft; sometimes they’ll be more than willing to work with you.

If you know how to prevent identity theft before you start your apartment search, you’ll be much more able to protect your personal information.