While most rental applicants are who they say they are, property managers need tools to confidently identify legitimate renters. With the right verification systems, you can quickly approve qualified residents while catching problematic applications before they become issues.

Identity verification challenges take several forms:

• Identity theft occurs when someone pretends to be another person entirely
• Document fraud involves altered financial records or IDs
• First-party fraud happens when applicants misrepresent their own information, like income or rental history
• Synthetic identity fraud involves taking real personal information and combining it with fabricated or stolen data

"The way we generally see synthetic fraud is different from identity theft," explains Matt Lisowski, Director of Product Management at Findigs. "With synthetic identity fraud, what we see is someone using their real name, real date of birth, real address—everything real—and then using someone else's Social Security number."

This approach makes verification challenging because conventional methods check if a name matches a Social Security number in existing records, but don't detect when someone has recently started using a different Social Security number. As Lisowksi explains, "If I've taken someone else's Social Security number and I'm using my name with it, over time, it almost builds another profile for that individual."

With so many ID verification options available, property managers need to understand which solutions effectively address these evolving identity challenges. Let's look at how the leading platforms tackle this problem.

How Findigs verifies identities

Findigs approaches identity verification with a multi-layered system that works beneath the surface while keeping the application process smooth for legitimate renters.

Findigs' five-point identity authentication system brings together all of the following: 

• Biometric verification matching selfies against government IDs
• Device verification to catch suspicious devices and fake IP addresses,
• Public bureau data cross-referencing,
• Behavioral analysis for suspicious patterns,
• Thorough ID reading to confirm documents are valid.

Unlike basic verification that stops at matching a photo ID to a selfie, Findigs examines an applicant's entire digital footprint. "Most companies look at what an applicant submits—what the ID looks like," explains Brendan Phillips, Product Manager at Findigs. "We look at how they're submitting it. Is it from a burner phone? Is it tied to past fraudulent applications? All these behavioral signals build a complete picture."

What sets Findigs apart is a comprehensive approach that blends the best tools to look across a full range of signals, rather than assessing each data point in isolation. We combine verification tools with analysis of bank statements, credit/criminal/eviction records, employment verification, and bank links—creating a system that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Tackling synthetic identity fraud head-on

Findigs takes a unique approach to synthetic identity detection by examining patterns that others might miss. "We've created our own model where we're pulling information from multiple sources to automate detection," Lisowski explains. "We can see what Social Security numbers a person has used in the past and when those numbers started being associated with their name."

This depth of analysis helps identify potential synthetic identities that might otherwise slip through conventional verification. "Often we can see what their more likely Social Security number is based on their history. If the number starts to be associated with them when they turned 18, that's more likely to be their real Social Security number, versus another one they started using just last year."

Findigs runs all these verifications automatically in the background while you focus on showing units and building relationships with potential residents. We process applications quickly (most within 24 hours) so your team never has to manually review anything. Your portfolio-level rulesets ensure every application gets the same consistent treatment, no matter who's working that day or how busy your team might be.

Pass/fail ID verification guidance

Findigs ID verification systems don’t just flag issues and leave it up to your team to decide what to do next. We also guide decisions by providing a clear recommendation as to whether someone passed or failed the ID check. Most verification tools surface signals and leave your team to figure out what they mean. That creates risk: depending on who's reviewing the application, you might get different outcomes or delays. 

Findigs takes that burden off your plate. When we flag something, it's already been analyzed across multiple data sources, passed through fraud detection models, and vetted for context, so your team doesn't have to guess. 

Property management-specific solutions

While many identity verification platforms are out there for you to choose from, several additional solutions are specifically tailored to the needs of property managers:

Snappt

Snappt focuses specifically on document verification for identity confirmation. Their system analyzes financial documents and IDs for signs of manipulation, flagging suspicious items for your review. While they effectively identify potentially altered documents, they leave the final decision-making about flagged items entirely to your team. Their verification process typically requires applicants to complete extra steps on a separate website, which can create friction in the application flow.

CheckpointID (by MRI Software)

CheckpointID provides identity verification specifically designed for apartment tours and applications. Their system gives property managers real-time insights on traffic and demographics while accommodating international renters with support for IDs from various countries. The platform works for both guided and self-guided tours using a simple scanning process on an iPad or the prospect's own mobile device. CheckpointID aims to flag problematic IDs before someone progresses to the application stage.

Entrata ResidentVerify

Entrata ResidentVerify integrates identity verification directly into the Entrata property management platform. Their system combines synthetic identity detection with ID scanning and liveness checks to create a comprehensive verification process. The platform includes a configurable scoring model that assesses ability to pay based on verified applicant information. For international applicants, their Credit Passport technology helps verify identities without requiring US-specific documentation.

RealPage ID Verification

RealPage takes a unique approach by offering verification at three key points in the rental journey: touring, application, and payment processing. This coverage helps catch potential identity issues at multiple touchpoints rather than relying on a single verification moment. Their system combines AI/ML pattern recognition with Plaid's financial technology to deliver thorough verification results with enhanced transparency. Property managers receive detailed verification outcomes that help inform their decision-making process.

Yardi ScreeningWorks Pro

Yardi ScreeningWorks Pro integrates advanced biometric technology directly into the Yardi property management ecosystem. Their recent partnership with SentiLink aims to enhance their ability to detect CPN fraud and synthetic identities. The platform includes international background check capabilities for applicants from select countries, allowing property managers to maintain consistent verification standards across diverse applicant pools. ScreeningWorks Pro handles multiple verification scenarios, from guided tours to online applications to onsite walk-ins.

TransUnion SmartMove

TransUnion SmartMove leverages the company's extensive credit bureau data combined with specialized rental scoring for tenant screening. Their ResidentScore predicts rental eviction risk more effectively than traditional credit scores by focusing specifically on rental-relevant factors. The Income Insights feature helps identify applications that might need additional income verification beyond the initial submission. SmartMove offers flexible payment options, allowing either the landlord or the applicant to cover the screening costs.

ResidentIQ

ResidentIQ combines various data sources with a "build your own solution" approach to property management technology. Their platform provides a single contract, bill, and point of contact for multiple services, simplifying the administrative side of verification. The TenantTech online leasing system includes integrated identity verification throughout the application process. ResidentIQ emphasizes compliance with FCRA, Fair Housing Laws, EEOC, and GDPR standards to help property managers navigate regulatory requirements.

Other major identity verification platforms

Beyond property management-specific solutions, several major platforms offer identity verification services that can be applied to rental screening:

Persona

Persona delivers identity verification across over 200 countries, processing hundreds of millions of verifications annually. Their platform supports over 16,000 ID types with a no-code integration approach that simplifies implementation. Persona's Fraud Console lets property managers evaluate concerning applications and automate workflows based on results. The system offers global coverage with support for multiple languages, making it suitable for properties with international applicants.

Plaid

Plaid stands out by combining identity verification with income and asset verification—a valuable pairing for rental screening. Their system connects directly to financial institutions to verify both identity and financial capacity in one process. The Plaid Network enables one-click verification for returning users, which speeds up the process for applicants who have previously used Plaid with other services. Their system can verify income in real-time across the US workforce, with most verifications completing in under 10 seconds.

Incode

Incode's identity verification technology, developed over nearly a decade, emphasizes speedy processing without sacrificing accuracy. Their LiveBeam passive liveness technology quickly confirms that the person is physically present rather than using a photo or video, helping to prevent common spoofing attempts. The platform achieved high accuracy ratings in NIST facial recognition testing and offers a Reusable Identity Network that allows returning users to verify with just a selfie.

Jumio

Jumio combines AI-powered ID verification with computer vision technology to analyze IDs and match them to applicants. Their Connected Intelligence system examines behavior and risk patterns over time to spot potential issues that might not be apparent in a single verification attempt. For high-security needs, Jumio offers video verification options that provide additional confidence. The platform covers over 200 countries and focuses on creating a user experience that minimizes application abandonment rates.

Identity verification trends for 2025

The identity verification market continues to evolve:

• AI-powered document analysis can now detect manipulation invisible to the human eye
• Biometric verification with liveness detection helps prevent deepfakes and spoofing attempts
• Multi-layered approaches combining document verification, biometric identity verification, and financial data validation are becoming standard
• Integration at multiple touchpoints (touring, application, payment) is gaining adoption
• Synthetic identity detection is receiving increased attention, with specialized technologies targeting this growing area

ID verification represents a huge opportunity for property managers to gain a competitive edge with best-in-class technology. Only about one-third (34%) of property managers currently use outsourced services and technologies for identity verification, according to TransUnion data. A quarter rely on in-house employees who manually verify identities, while one-third don't use any formal tools but rely on visual assessments alone.

The Findigs difference

When it comes to identity verification, Findigs differentiates by examining how applications are submitted, not just what’s submitted. While most verification tools look at documents in isolation, Findigs analyzes behavioral patterns and cross-references multiple data sources to build a complete picture.

This multi-layered approach provides exceptional accuracy. "Our model gives us an incredibly high level of confidence that what we're flagging actually is synthetic fraud, and we can do it in an automated way so we can process all the applications we receive," Lisowski adds.

In one retroactive analysis with a property management company, Findigs found that their system could have identified 44% of applications that later resulted in evictions as potentially problematic before move-in. By combining multiple verification methods with comprehensive automation, Findigs enables property managers to catch potential issues while maintaining a smooth application process for honest renters.

Helping you stay one step ahead

As verification technology advances, property managers have more tools than ever to confirm applicant identities while keeping the application process smooth for qualified renters.

Most verification platforms still rely on your team to make the final call. They might surface a few red flags, but it's up to you to decide what to do next. That leaves a lot of room for judgment calls, missed patterns, and uneven outcomes depending on who’s reviewing the application. As Steve Carroll, CEO and co-founder of Findigs notes: “With other solutions, your staff are still the ones interpreting the signals, and they have quite a bit of agency to inject judgment and override things.”

Findigs works differently. Our system runs a full array of checks behind the scenes. Any flagged information has been through a rigorous process that doesn’t require your team to intervene. It’s a more complete view than you’d get with any one tool, and it works without slowing down easy-to-verify applicants.  

By guiding every application through the same process, Findigs keeps decision-making consistent and confident. And because we process most applications within 24 hours, you can spend less time reviewing and more time doing the work that brings people home.

Findigs gives you the tools and build to protect your communities. Ready to see how it works? Talk to our team today.