CLEAR and Snappt Merge Technologies to Combat Rental Application Fraud
Introduction
In an era where rental application fraud is on the rise, innovative solutions are needed to protect both landlords and renters. CLEAR, a secure identity company, and Snappt, designed specifically for the multifamily housing sector, are stepping up to the challenge. Recently, they released findings from a new case study that highlights how they are closing the identity gap in property management through their collaboration.
Understanding the Issue
Reports indicate that over 93% of multifamily owners and managers claim to have faced rental fraud, aided by increasingly sophisticated techniques, including AI-driven identity fabrication. Checking documents alone no longer suffices; landlords and property managers require multi-faceted identity verification to effectively combat these challenges. Snappt's Applicant Trust Platform, enhanced by CLEAR's identity check technology, exemplifies this proactive approach.
Collaboration Between CLEAR and Snappt
The partnership saw the integration of CLEAR’s identity verification technology, known as CLEAR1, within Snappt’s platform. This integration allows for a comprehensive examination of a rental applicant's background, including both identity verification and validation of their financial qualifications. As a result, property owners and operators now gain better insights into potential renters and can streamline the leasing process to be more user-friendly.
In just six months, the integration has led to the detection of more than 5,400 fraudulent applications, ultimately preventing over $10 million in potential bad debt from reaching the leasing teams.
Simplifying Verification for Applicants
Through this collaboration, the verification process has been designed to be seamless for applicants. For those who previously verified their identities with CLEAR, a simple selfie is all they need. New users can complete their initial setup in under 90 seconds. CLEAR1 employs a multi-layered verification system that combines biometric data, document checks, and device signals against verified databases.
Jon Schlegel, Chief Security Officer at CLEAR stated, "Rental fraud is evolving rapidly, and our industry needs a robust identity verification infrastructure to keep pace. Our collaboration with Snappt signifies that high-assurance identity verification can intercept fraud early in the process without making it cumbersome for genuine applicants."
The Renter's Experience
Kyle Nelson, Snappt’s EVP of Corporate Strategy, underlined the mission to protect renters from the consequences of rising fraud: "While fraud increases in the multifamily sector, the burden of these challenges should not fall upon legitimate applicants. Our aim is to enhance the leasing experience and bolster operators' confidence in the approval process."
The broader implications of this partnership are significant for renters, landlords, and the broader housing market. With ongoing advancements in technology, it is crucial that both companies remain vigilant and adaptive in the battle against rental application fraud.
Future Directions
With this newly established partnership, CLEAR and Snappt are committed to expanding their integration, focusing on enhancing identity verification at the earliest opportunities within the screening process as the methods used by fraudsters continue to evolve.
Additionally, CLEAR's recent partnership with Docusign highlights its strategy to continually augment security measures against identity fraud. This indicates a strong commitment to innovation, improving processes for consumers while simultaneously protecting enterprises from risks.
Conclusion
The collaboration between CLEAR and Snappt not only fortifies the identification of fraud in rental applications but also sets a strong precedent for the multifamily housing sector. Their innovative use of technology exemplifies how industry players can partner to enhance security and streamline processes, ultimately fostering a safer and more efficient leasing environment for everyone involved.