How do I spot a fake payslip or fake employment verification?
Fraudulent payslips and reference letters are used in mortgage and rental applications — verify employment directly with the listed employer using a number you find independently, not one provided by the applicant.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Document fraud in mortgage and rental applications typically involves fabricated or altered payslips, bank statements, and employment reference letters. These are submitted to convince a lender or landlord that the applicant earns more than they do, has been employed longer than they have, or holds a position they do not hold. This type of fraud can also be used against the applicant — a fraudster may use someone's genuine documents altered with fraudulent figures.
For lenders and landlords, the key verification step is to call the applicant's employer directly using a number from a public company directory — not the number on the reference letter. Ask to verify employment, start date, and salary band. Genuine employers have a standard process for this; an unexpected number, reluctance to confirm, or inconsistency between the letter and the HR response are warning signs.
The design of fake documents has become more sophisticated as editing tools have improved. However, inconsistencies persist: incorrect PAYE tax codes for the stated salary, National Insurance deductions that do not match the gross pay, company logos in poor resolution, or formatting inconsistent with documents from other applicants at the same employer are all tells.
For applicants who suspect their own identity or documents have been misused, a credit report check will often reveal applications made in their name that they did not initiate.
Common red flags
- Company phone number on the reference letter is a mobile or non-registered number
- PAYE tax and NI deductions inconsistent with the stated gross salary
- Employer cannot be verified through an independent directory listing
- Font, spacing, or logo quality inconsistent within the same document
- Gross pay is a round number every month with no variation for overtime or deductions
What to do now
- Call the employer using a number from Companies House, LinkedIn, or an industry directory
- Request the applicant's last three months of bank statements showing salary credits
- Run the document through anti-fraud document verification tools if available
- Report document fraud to Action Fraud (UK) or the FBI (US)
- If you are a victim of identity document fraud, file a police report and alert credit bureaus
Frequently asked questions
Can I legally verify an applicant's employment?
Yes, with the applicant's consent (which should be part of any rental or credit application form). This is standard practice and any genuine applicant will expect it.
Are fake payslips common in rental applications?
Document fraud in rental applications is a known problem reported by letting agents. Most professional letting agencies use reference checking services that verify employment, income, and identity.
What if someone used my details to apply for credit?
Place a CIFAS protective registration in the UK (cifas.org.uk) or a fraud alert with US credit bureaus. Review your credit report for accounts you do not recognise.