AI is helping fraudsters turn the US college admissions system into a potential gateway for stealing student aid, but the fight against fake applicants is creating an uncomfortable new burden for legitimate students and the colleges serving them.
The US Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network warned in July that criminals were targeting federal student aid through schemes involving stolen identities, fabricated applicants, and so-called 'ghost students'. The alert also highlighted the use of technology to make fraudulent applications and maintain the appearance that fake students are genuinely enrolled.
