Trust but Verify: Modern Fraud Detection Methods for Property Managers

In the increasingly fast-paced world of property management, the risk of fraud among both applicants and residents continues to evolve—and escalate. From forged pay stubs and fake ID documents to unauthorized subletting and identity theft, the tactics used to deceive apartment managers and leasing staff are growing more sophisticated. For property professionals, staying ahead of these threats is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Over the past decade, digital accessibility and economic instability have contributed to a sharp rise in fraudulent applications and resident behavior. With the availability of document-editing tools and a growing black market for fake identities, bad actors can exploit even the most seasoned property teams.

Fraud is no longer limited to low-credit applicants. Sophisticated scams can originate from individuals with seemingly perfect paperwork, making the need for vigilance more important than ever.

According to a report from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), more than 10% of rental applications in high-volume markets exhibit signs of fraud. And once fraudulent residents are in your building, removing them is a costly, time-consuming, and legally challenging process.

Join us for proactive strategies to stop fraud before it starts. Be prepared. Be proactive. Be protected!

Why should you attend :

What you’ll learn:

  1. Identify the most common types of rental fraud affecting apartment communities, including application fraud, income verification fraud, identity theft, and occupancy fraud
  2. Recognize warning signs and red flags during the application process that may indicate fraudulent intent
  3. Implement effective verification procedures for income, employment, rental history, and identity documentation
  4. Understand legal considerations and fair housing implications when conducting fraud investigations
  5. Respond appropriately when fraud is discovered, including documentation requirements and next steps
  6. Create a culture of fraud awareness among leasing teams and property staff

Areas covered in the session:

  • Understanding the Landscape of Rental Fraud
    • Application, Income, Occupancy, and Identity Fraud
  • Red Flags and Warning Signs
    • Documentation Red Flags
    • Behavioral Red Flags
    • Application Inconsistencies
    • Technology-Based Red Flags
    • Effective Verification Strategies Income and Employment Verification
    • Identity Verification
    • Rental History Verification
    • Financial Documentation Review
  • Fair Housing Implications
    • Privacy and Legal Limits
    • Application Process Design
    • Staff Training and Culture
    • Policy Development

Who should attend this:

Regional/Area Manager/Supervisor, Property Manager/Supervisor, Community Manager/Director, Leasing Manager, Compliance, Training and HR Professionals.

Doug Chasick, That Fair Housing Guy™, is the former President of the Fair Housing Institute, Inc. With more than 50 years of investment real estate experience, he began as the Resident Manager of a 524-unit apartment property and has been the President or CEO of five real estate companies, responsible for portfolios of over 28,000 apartments, and more than 8 million square feet of commercial, retail and industrial properties.

Doug was awarded his CPM® in 1979 and was a member of the IREM National Faculty for eight years. A Senior Instructor member of the NAAEI Faculty, he leads the Advanced Facilitator Training course, is the co-author of “Outstanding Facilitation Techniques”, and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Florida, a licensed Expert Fair Housing Instructor in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the recipient of the NAAEI Apartment Career & Education award and the Legends of the Industry award from Multifamily Professional.

$199.00

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$199.00