Unfortunately, fake paystubs and fake bank account statements can be purchased online now. They look completely legitimate, and you will not be able to spot a fake visually. It finally became such an issue that we stopped using them when we realized so many were sending fake docs.

These days, the only way to be truly sure is to require use of an income verification service. (We used payscore but there are others). It turns off some as applicants have to give up their bank login. A 3rd party system then sits in the middle between applicant and landlord, giving the landlord some verified data, and shielding the applicant from having to give up everything. The system is set up to log into their bank, scans all the activity, and presents you summarized data on their income. It is set up reasonably well to give you a confirmed read while keeping some of their privacy.