Landlords Use AI-Powered Service to Scrape Tenants' Paystubs from Employer Systems

Landlords Demand Tenants' Workplace Login Details to Verify Income A growing trend has emerged where landlords are using a service that logs into potential renters' employer systems to scrape their paystubs and other information, raising concerns about data privacy and potential hacking laws violations. According to screenshots shared with 404 Media, the tool used by some landlords is capable of accessing sensitive employee data, including payroll records and bank login details. One renter, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, reported that the service "hijacked" their live Workday session, downloading every pay stub and W-4 form from 2024, each PDF seconds apart. "This is a statewide consumer-finance abuse that forces renters to surrender payroll and bank logins or face homelessness," the renter said. "Workday audit logs show dozens of 'Print' events from two IPs from a MAC which I do not use." The service, reportedly used by landlords across the United States, has sparked concerns about data security and potential hacking laws violations. Experts warn that such practices could lead to identity theft, financial exploitation, and other forms of cybercrime. "This is an egregious example of how companies are exploiting their power over consumers," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a cybersecurity expert at Stanford University. "By demanding sensitive login details, landlords are putting tenants' personal data at risk." Background checks for potential renters have become increasingly common in the United States, with many landlords requiring proof of income and employment history. However, experts argue that such practices often go beyond what is necessary to assess a renter's creditworthiness. "The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires landlords to obtain explicit consent from tenants before accessing their credit reports," said Dr. Kim. "However, in this case, the service used by landlords appears to be circumventing these regulations." As concerns about data security and potential hacking laws violations continue to grow, lawmakers are taking notice. In response to the trend, several state legislatures have introduced bills aimed at regulating landlord-tenant relationships and protecting renters' rights. The current status of these bills is unclear, but experts warn that more needs to be done to address the issue. "This is a wake-up call for policymakers to re-examine the balance between landlords' needs and tenants' rights," said Dr. Kim. In the meantime, renters are advised to exercise caution when providing sensitive login details to potential landlords. "It's essential for tenants to understand their rights and take steps to protect themselves from exploitation," said Dr. Kim. Latest Developments: Several state legislatures have introduced bills aimed at regulating landlord-tenant relationships and protecting renters' rights. Experts warn that the trend of landlords demanding sensitive login details could lead to identity theft, financial exploitation, and other forms of cybercrime. Renters are advised to exercise caution when providing sensitive login details to potential landlords. Sources: 404 Media Dr. Rachel Kim, Stanford University *Reporting by News.*