Rejected tenant applicant applied for electric service anyway?

Question

I'm in the process of trying to fill an open unit.  One prospective applicant seemed great in person - very friendly, polite, punctual, gainfully employed, etc.  She said she had 'average' credit.  When I ran her credit, it was a disaster.  Low score, accounts in collection and a recently repossessed car.  I sent her a denial letter.  Well, I just received a letter addressed to her at the rental unit's address from the electric utility.  She applied for service at that address and was declined an account (she owed them over $6K).  Why would she apply for electric service when I denied her application?  I'm worried there's a scam in the making here.  Any thoughts?

Denise B. · Answer

@Mindy Jensen and @Marian Smith - thanks for your responses!

It definitely is weird.   I think you're right Marian - that she was trying to figure out if they would approve her for electric service.  I asked the electric company to flag my address to notify me of any attempted name changes.

Mindy Jensen · Answer

Wow, @Denise B.

I've never heard of this one. I would contact the electric company and any other utilities and let them know she is NOT to open an account at that address. Keep a close eye on the unit. Are there neighbors you can ask to help you keep an eye on the place, too?

This is really weird.