lighthouse41 asked:


I recently applied for an apartment for rent by private owner. I provided my personal information when filling out the rental application. I now feel the woman never had plans to rent the place, and is using an “apartment for rent” as a front to obtain the personal information of others to commit fraud.

It turns out, my co-worker happens to know this woman personally, and says she recently filed bankruptcy, does not own the property, and was renting it from a relative.

What should I do? If the above is true, she’ll deny we met. This woman has my social security number, personal information, and more. Is there any way to tell when someone pulls your credit to apply for an apartment? I don’t think those type of credit inquiries appear on credit reports.

What should I do to prevent fraudulent behavior? There are Michigan laws protecting landlords, what about those for tenants?

MAYNARD