I just received a contract from the home owner on VRBO that we will be renting from, and he requested our SS numbers. I am uncomfortable with this after attending a law enforcement sponsored identity theft programme recently.
What can I do? Have you had to supply SS # (for entire family) to an owner on VRBO before?
I rented with another agency (Paris Attitude) and did not have to provide a SS number. Only name, address, and phone. I paid a deposit via Paypal and signed a contract with the property owner.
I supposed you could make one up. I don't know what purpose the SS would serve. He should have no way to check validity. Sounds odd.
Eli--There is no possible reason that they would need your SS numbers. I suggest either nicely explaining that they are not supposed to be given to anyone or saying thanks, I'll find another apartment.
Refuse. Ask VRBO for what purpose is this information being collected? Refuse. Ask if other forms of identification such as credit card or drivers license will suffice?
I have never used VRBO before. If their policy requires you to surrender your SS# for yourself and/or family members then I would not use them. Too risky to give that out to just anyone for any purpose.
Please.......DON't give you social security number! They have no reason to ask this. There is no reason for them to ask you this. Anyone could get and use you numbers once you put it out there. It could also be forwarded to anyone. If they insist on it, I would look for another place to rent. You are renting, not buying the house. Even if you are buying the house, you would be doing it though a realtor and the person you are buying it from would not get your Social Security #.
I would expect they want to run a credit check on you. There is always a risk letting someone into your home and you can tell a lot about a person from their credit.
Ask why they need it. Let them know you are uncomfortable giving your social security numbers out because of id theft concerns. See if there is an alternative both they and you can be comfortable with. If not, find another place.
Below is info from social security website regarding requests for SSN.
"If a business or other enterprise asks you for your number, you can refuse to give it. However, that may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your number was requested. For example, utility companies and other services ask for a Social Security number, but do not need it; they can do a credit check or identify the person in their records by alternative means.
Giving your number is voluntary, even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, how your number will be used, what law requires you to give your number and what the consequences are if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours."
some countries have the residents provide that - your US one probably wont help them so Id make one up or leave it blank.
I have rented apartments through VRBO twice, and was not asked for my SSN. I would never give it out for such a transaction. If the owner of the apartment insists, find another place.
I wrote back to him (he lives in Florida) explaining why I did not wish to give out my entire family's SS # and about ID theft but he has not responded. Will see what happens between tonight and tomorrow. It is really odd. Why in heaven's name would someone need to do a background search for a small apartment where HE will have full payment beforehand and also a deposit?
I just wanted to make sure that I was not being paranoid.
I finally got a response from him and he said that the agreement was made up a long time ago and he should probably change it. Now he's asking for a copy of our Driver's license or passport number.
Why does he need these anyway? I don't get it.
background check...like a previous poster already said.
But I don't get doing a background check on someone who is renting? Especially since he'll be holding my security deposit.
I wouldn't have a problem with supplying a driver's license number - it's just like putting it on a check(in Europe you have to give a passport), but never a SS#.
In your shoes, I would find another place and another owner.
Would you rent your home to a stranger without any identification? I'm sure that the home and furniture in it is worth far more than the security deposit. While it is not reasonable to ask for an SSN, some type of ID does seem more than reasonable.
Laura, are you familiar with IKEA furniture? That is what they say their apartment is furnished with.
Even with IKEA, I'd still want to know who I was turning my keys over to. Maybe I am paranoid :)
We've used VBRO several times, but each owner can set their own rules - you deal directly with each owner, not VBRO itself. We've had great luck, good rentals and good experiences, but never had to put up with third degree.
While possible, I would consider it somewhat unlikely that a landlord would run a 50-state background check for each potential tenant. For one thing, it takes three weeks to get results back, and for another (we do this at work) they cost about $250 each.
While no harm in DL, the bottom line is that they will have your deposit which should be sufficient, along with a way to contact you.
You may have just encountered a landlord with a very low degree of trust, possibly been burned before. Can't blame them for trying to get every scrap of information, but you are just renting for a week or two.
As others have mentioned, I would move on to a more reasonable landlord . . .
He did sound more reasonable on the telephone, and since the price is in US $ my husband thinks we should go ahead with the rental. I will definitely report back what my experience was.
It's not just the furniture. In college, I escaped a frat party when they drew a giant target on the wall then threw an empty keg at it until they broke through the entire wall. This was in a rented condo.
The wrong people can do thousands of dollars of damage in practically no time.
Believe me an owner has a great deal at risk. Europe is more renter friendly than the US, the best defense an owner has is not to rent to the wrong people.
I wouldn't give up on a rental because the owner wants to make sure they are renting to reputable people, but I would look for an accomodation you can feel comfortable with.
Now for the other side, Florida has probably the laxest laws on fraud in the country. The worst investment scams are run out of Boca Raton. I see cause for concern everytime I deal by phone or mail with any business located in Florida.
Brad, I didn't even know that about Florida so I am glad you brought it up. Will pay more attention.
