Reduce fraud with digital identity verification for lending | Plaid (2024)

Some of the most common forms of identity verification scams facing lenders include synthetic identity fraud and presentation attacks.

Synthetic identity theft

Synthetic identity theft consists of bad actors creating false identities through the use of both real and fake information. Phishing scams, data breaches, and other leaks have led to the creation of massive databases of personally identifiable information (PII) on the dark web. Scammers can take pieces of this information—such as a social security number, address, or date of birth—and combine them with made-up data to create a fake identity. They then use this information to apply for a loan—often successfully passing the lender’s identity verification check and gaining access to funds.

It’s estimated that financial institutions lose $6-$20B per year to synthetic identity fraud. Moreover, synthetic identities resulting from application fraud are considered the number one threat by fraud executives for the near future.

To mitigate this risk, lenders can take steps to ensure synthetic fraud is caught at the identity verification check stage. This might include implementing tools such as selfie verification and AI/ML-based behavioral analytics to better detect partially fake identities.

Presentation attacks

Presentation attacks consist of bad actors attempting to access loans through the use of another person’s physical characteristics or biometrics. The most common methods involve printed photos and fake fingerprints, which fraudsters combine to create a ‘spoof’ during the loan application process. If a lender’s identity verification tools lack the sophistication to catch these impersonations, fraudsters can gain access to funds.

Lenders can protect against presentation attacks in three ways:

  • By checking identities across authoritative data sources such as bank and phone records.

  • By using a variety of government-issued identity documents for identity verification in combination with technology that can distinguish between real documents and printouts.

  • By using liveness tools such as video selfies and facial mapping technology that detects pixel changes, deep fakes, masks, and other tricks used in presentation attacks.

→ Need to fight loan fraud while managing KYC obligations? Plaid Identity Verification helps customers to meet their KYC requirements, reduces fraud, and is the lowest-friction ID verification experience available.

Reduce fraud with digital identity verification for lending | Plaid (2024)

FAQs

How do lenders verify your identity? ›

They verify your identity by asking for your government-issued, photo ID, which contains your birthdate, your residence and a physical description of you, as well as a photo. Is it safe to provide your social security number on an online application form?

How do you digitally verify your identity? ›

You'll take a photo of your accepted driver's license or state ID card and enter your personal information to verify your identity online. You may need to take a photo of yourself with a phone to verify your identity online. This is to check that you are the person on your ID.

What is digital identity verification? ›

What is digital identity verification? Digital identity verification is the process of proving that an identity is real without ever having to meet someone face-to-face. It confirms that a person is who they say they are and that the personal information they have provided isn't fake or stolen (identity fraud).

What is the plaid verification process? ›

It verifies identity data by comparing it against regulated data sources, authenticates hundreds of different ID documents, and confirms liveliness through selfie verification. By analyzing hundreds of risk signals, Plaid helps reduce fraud losses while protecting the customer experience and increasing conversions.

What is the lender verification process? ›

Mortgage lenders verify employment by contacting employers directly and requesting income information and related documentation. Most lenders only require verbal confirmation, but some will seek email or fax verification. Lenders can verify self-employment income by obtaining tax return transcripts from the IRS.

How do banks verify identity online? ›

There are multiple verification methods available. These methods might include algorithms to check account number structure according to country or banking institution protocols, direct microdeposits to verify account status, or multifactor authentication techniques to confirm customer identity.

What is a digital ID proof of identity? ›

You'll need to have the details of at least one form of identification handy – your passport or driver licence. Memorise your account details (PIN), so you can use your Digital iD™ next time you need to prove who you are, wherever Digital iD™ is accepted.

How is digital identity authenticated? ›

Digital identity often relies on storing and verifying personal information — for example, their email address, a record of their face (as in facial recognition), or facts about their life (answers to security questions).

How to verify digital ID? ›

Types of digital identity verification methods
  1. Biometric verification: This method uses unique biological traits of an individual, such as your fingerprint, iris or face recognition. ...
  2. Document verification: This method uses government-issued identification documents.
Apr 3, 2024

How secure is digital identity? ›

Private and secure

It offers safeguards to stop your personal information being collected, profiled, used or sold for other purposes, such as direct marketing. Digital ID providers in the system need to ensure they have security features that undergo rigorous assessment and testing.

What is digital identity in banking? ›

Digital ID in financial services is designed to help verify the identity of users, reducing fraud and improving security. This type of identification is based on personal information, such as names, addresses, and social security numbers. It is commonly used to create online accounts and verify transactions.

What are the three methods for verifying someone's identity? ›

6 Identity Verification Methods: How to Prove They're Who They Say They Are
  • Knowledge-Based Authentication. Knowledge-based Authentication is a system that utilizes something the person knows, like their PIN number or password. ...
  • Credit Bureau Based Authentication. ...
  • Database Methods. ...
  • Online Verification.

Should I let Plaid access my bank account? ›

Is Plaid safe to link to your bank? Yes, in general using Plaid for banking is safe. Plaid follows strict security protocols to ensure sensitive data stays out of the hands of fraudsters. On top of that, for consumers, Plaid allows you to view and control exactly what data they've shared.

Does Plaid ask for a social security number? ›

Plaid will never ask for personal information during the interview process such as passport number, bank account number, social security number.

Who uses Plaid for verification? ›

Plaid powers over 3,000 finance applications, including a handful you might already use:
  • Acorns.
  • Betterment.
  • You Need a Budget.
  • Robinhood.
  • Upstart.
  • Dave.
  • Pillar.
  • Venmo.

What verifies your identity? ›

Verifying in person

The most common way to verify identity is to see the person and a government-issued, photo ID card (e.g., driver's license, state ID card, or Passport). This is “something you have” and “something you are” factors.

What questions do banks ask to verify identity? ›

To verify a bank account of a customer, financial institutions will request information like the account holder's name, bank account number, and routing number. They'll check these details against other customer documentation to ensure that there are no inconsistencies.

How long does it take for a bank to verify your identity? ›

Bank account verification methods are increasingly automated to improve accuracy and speed. For example, manually checking bank statements can take up to ten days, while checks completed via an automated service can happen in an instant.

Do lenders watch your bank account? ›

A lender may occasionally ask for three months of bank statements, or a full quarter, to verify income and check on the status of your incoming money. However, two months' worth is often enough for them to dig into the financials and figure out whether you're capable of paying off the mortgage.

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