Fraudulent activity in the referencing process is on the rise – What can be done to combat this?
Fraudulent activity in the referencing process is on the rise in the UK. Whilst no Landlord wants their property left empty the cost of moving in a tenant that isn’t who they say they are could be high! It’s worth doing the right due diligence up front to prevent a long-term headache! Here we look at some ways the risk can be reduced.
🔎 1. Check ID carefully
Match the photo on the ID to the person in front of you. Double-check the date of birth—does it fit their appearance? Fraudulent documents can be convincing, so compare fonts and colours with the official examples on the UK government site.
💬 2. Ask questions—and really listen
Find out about their job, income, and reasons for moving. Do their circumstances fit the property? For example, would a single person realistically rent a five-bedroom house, or a high earner choose a tired studio in a poor location? Notice their behaviour too: impatience with the process, slow responses, or last-minute changes of contact details can all be red flags.
📧 3. Verify referees
When checking employment references, insist on a company email address, not a personal one. If you speak to the referee, ask open questions to confirm key details.
💷 4. Review bank statements (3–6 months)
Look beyond the balance. Does the income match their payslip? Are they regularly overdrawn or spending excessively? Unusual transactions can signal future rent issues.
🏠 5. Use professionals
A reputable letting agent or referencing agency brings experience and formal checks: ID authentication, credit scoring, and a trained eye for anything suspicious. The fee is small compared to the cost of a bad tenancy.
💬 Sarah 💼
📞 Phone: 01474 321957
📧 Email: sarah@mandmprop.co.uk