Finding a roommate online has become the new normal. Whether you’re browsing Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Reddit threads, or room-for-rent groups, most people today connect with complete strangers before deciding to live together.
And that creates a major problem:
You don’t actually know who the other person is.
It’s incredibly easy for someone to use fake photos, a different name, or a false story. Rental catfishing is now as common as dating catfishing — but people rarely think about verifying a roommate until something goes wrong.
Identity verification is the simplest way to protect yourself before you meet or sign anything.
Most platforms do not verify identities at all.
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
WhatsApp housing groups
Even many roommate apps
Anyone can create a profile in minutes. That means the person you’re talking to could be using:
Someone else’s photo
A fake name
A burner phone number
A story that isn’t real
Some do it to scam you for deposits.
Others do it to hide their past.
And others simply want access to your home without accountability.
Without verification, you’re relying on trust — and trust alone.
Before you run a background check or sign a lease, you need to confirm something basic:
Is this person real, and are they who they say they are?
Identity verification gives you:
The name and ID are confirmed as real, not made up.
A selfie is matched to the ID, preventing fake photos or impersonation.
You can see where the verification was completed, adding transparency.
You’ll know instantly if something doesn’t match.
Identity verification removes the guesswork and gives you clarity before risks escalate.
VerifiID brings government-grade identity tools directly to individuals. You don’t need a landlord, a company account, or a subscription.
Here’s how it works:
Send a secure verification link to the potential roommate.
They upload their government ID and complete a quick biometric selfie.
You receive a pass/fail result within minutes.
It’s simple, private, and fast.
If someone refuses to verify their identity, that’s already an answer — and a red flag.
A woman searching for a roommate received a message from a man who seemed ideal — great job, nice photos, quick responses. But when she requested identity verification through VerifiID, he declined repeatedly.
She later discovered the same photos were being used in a scam in another housing group.
Identity verification saved her from losing money — and potentially much more.
A safe roommate starts with a real roommate.
If you’re meeting someone from the internet, identity verification is the most important step you can take.
Run an instant identity check at VerifiID
Fast. Simple. No subscriptions. Just peace of mind.