Best Practices to Stay Ahead of Leasing Fraud
Knowing who you’re leasing to is critical to protecting not only cash flow but also residents. But it’s not always easy. Leasing fraud has skyrocketed in recent years and remains a threat in 2023 — with fraudsters aggressively innovating faster than many property managers can adapt.
As fraud takes many new forms, from fake or synthetic IDs and paystubs to payments fraud, yesterday’s strategies and technologies aren’t always keeping up with today’s threats.
How can multifamily property owners and managers stay ahead of rising fraud tactics to protect their communities and residents? And how can you minimize risk without slowing down the leasing process — a primary concern when we see heightened focus on expediting and simplifying the prospect-to-resident journey.
Join an all-star webcast with operational executives, moderated by RealPage® SVP and Chief Economist Jay Parsons, who will share insights on the increase in fraud threats, as well as tips for developing strategies and best practices to mitigate the risks. Panelists include GWR Management’s Ryan Raser, RPM’s Shanna Berrin and STYL Residential’s Amber Flores, as well as RealPage risk management experts Lisa Gedmin and Ed Tonarelli.
As Screening Manager for STYL Residential, Amber Flores uses her strong background in process development and improvement to oversee designing, maintaining and improving the company’s screening processes. Prior to joining STYL, Amber managed and developed the applications department at Home Partners of America (single-family lease with a right to purchase program) for more than five years. There, she managed the application screening for 18,000+ single family properties in 25 states.
Ryan H. Raser
Director of Operations, GWR ManagementRyan has worked in the housing industry for more than 25 years. He started in university student housing and moved into multifamily in 1999, beginning his career in the industry as a leasing specialist and working through all onsite positions to a supervisory role with experience across A-, B- and C-class garden-style and mid-rise communities. As a regional supervisor, he oversaw property operations of large portfolios and focused on building effective teams to deliver desired results.
In his current role as Director of Operations, Ryan oversees the Operational Support Department at GWR Management and all business operating systems. He specializes in finding ways to streamline operations and enable the company with the tools to help deliver an excellent customer experience as well as improve cash flow.
Prior to GWR, Ryan worked with Arcadian Real Estate Services and Equity Residential in several different roles, which provides him with a broad skill set. Ryan enjoys collaborating on projects and serves as an advisor to several vendor boards. Originally from Northeast Pennsylvania, he is a proud graduate of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, is married and lives in Cypress, Texas.
Shanna Berrin
Director of Risk Management, RPMShanna Berrin has spent the last two decades or more of her 30+ years of multifamily industry experience focused on the risk and insurance management platform. As Director of Risk Management, she is responsible for RPM’s master insurance program, risk and contract management, and compliance.
Previously, Shanna created and ran the risk and insurance department at one of the largest owner/operators based in Austin, Texas, managing a $2.5B portfolio placement. She is credited with implementing their renter’s insurance platform, along with OSHA program and training, and establishing and managing a highly successful captive program. Shanna studied at St. Edwards University and holds RIMS-CRMP and CIC designations. In her free time, Shanna enjoys spending time working and hunting with her German shorthaired pointer pups.
Jay Parsons
SVP & Chief Economist, RealPage, Inc.Jay Parsons serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Economist for RealPage, leading the Economist and Industry Principal teams to provide deep insights on market trends and consumer behaviors. He is a frequent author and industry speaker on topics affecting multifamily apartments and single-family rentals, including rental housing investment and asset management strategy, rental housing policy issues, risk mitigation and property management.
Jay has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Financial Times, The Economist, and The New York Times, and he has appeared on CNBC and BloombergTV. His commentaries have been published by Barron's, the Pension Real Estate Association, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Apartment Association, American Banker and GlobeSt.
Ed Tonarelli
Industry Principal, RealPage, Inc.Ed has been in the multifamily industry for over 25 years concentrating on sales and business development for residential screening products. He currently serves as the Industry Principal for RealPage Screening.
Lisa Gedmin
Industry Principal - Insurance, RealPage, Inc.Lisa Gedmin is a multifamily industry veteran with 35+ years experience in multifamily operations, marketing and 15 years in risk mitigation. Lisa has worked for Trammel Crow Residential Services, The Finger Companies, as well as Assurant and SureDeposit. Lisa joined RealPage as part of the 2019 acquisition of LeaseTerm Solutions and has been integral in crafting insurance solutions for our clients. Lisa was a national property and casualty producer as well as a surplus lines broker. During her career in operations, Lisa held a CPM designation with IREM and is a member of Mensa.
Lisa is married with three adult sons and has three French bulldogs who run the Gedmin household. She is a CASA volunteer advocating for children placed in foster care and finds this work challenging but heart fulfilling.
