Identity fraud is a growing concern for colleges and universities around the globe, but particularly in the US. Bad actors are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in enrollment, financial aid, academics—even residence hall procedures. These attacks threaten the integrity of the institution and put students’ safety and well-being at risk.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the common types of identity fraud faced by higher education institutions and how automated facial biometric identity verification (IDV) solutions can help mitigate these risks.
Um, do you even go here?
One of the most prevalent forms of identity fraud in higher education is fake enrollment. This occurs when individuals attempt to gain admission using false identities, often with the intent to commit further fraud or engage in illegal activities. Financial aid fraud is another significant concern, with fraudsters misrepresenting their financial information to qualify for aid or scholarships they don’t deserve.
Academic fraud, such as unauthorized access to academic records or cheating on exams using fake identities, undermines the integrity of the educational process. There’s also residence hall fraud, where individuals falsely claim residency to obtain on-campus housing or amenities, which can strain university resources and create safety concerns.
An A+ for facial biometrics
Colleges and universities face numerous challenges when it comes to combating identity fraud. Budget constraints often hinder the implementation of robust identity verification measures, while complex enrollment processes can create loopholes that fraudsters exploit. Additionally, the diverse student populations at many institutions make it difficult to implement one-size-fits-all solutions.
This is where automated facial biometric IDV comes in. By leveraging advanced facial recognition technology, these solutions can streamline the enrollment process, making it both more user-friendly and reducing the risk of fake enrollment attempts.
Real-time verification and liveness detection capabilities allow institutions to instantly authenticate individuals, minimizing the chances of financial aid and academic fraud. Moreover, these solutions can be customized to meet the unique needs of each institution, ensuring compatibility with existing systems and processes.
IDV is a group project
To successfully implement facial biometric IDV, institutions should collaborate closely with their IT departments to ensure seamless integration with existing systems. Staff and students should be educated about the benefits of this technology to build understanding and acceptance. Additionally, institutions must ensure compliance with relevant privacy regulations to protect students’ rights.
While it’s true that identity fraud poses significant risks to colleges and universities, automated facial biometric IDV solutions offer a powerful tool for mitigating these risks. Through the enhancement of security, streamlining of processes, and protection of academic integrity, these solutions create a safer learning environment for all. As fraudsters continue to evolve their tactics, it’s crucial for institutions to stay one step ahead by embracing innovative technologies like facial biometric IDV.
About the post:
Images are generative AI-created. Prompt: An anthropomorphic fox with a sly, mischievous, sinister smirk wearing a backpack and holding a textbook walking through the main quad of a university. surrounding him are anthropomorphic chickens having conversations and oblivious to the fox, Pixar style. Tool: Midjourney.
About the author:
Bryan Smythe serves as President of the Americas region for IDVerse. With nearly two decades of sales development experience for global SaaS companies, Smythe is responsible for building and optimizing pipelines in the US and beyond.
