To fight application fraud, Arizona colleges turn to AI
Maricopa Community Colleges recently partnered with the Georgia software firm A.M. Simpkins and Associates to catch scams and fraudulent applications submitted to the institution.
Campus Technology reported that the partnership will use a product called the Student Application Fraudulent Examination, or SAFE, across the community college system’s 10 campuses.
“We are thrilled to partner with MCCCD in safeguarding the integrity of their admissions and financial aid systems,” Maurice Simpkins, president of A.M. Simpkins and Associates, said in a press statement. “Given MCCCD’s scale and influence, their adoption of S.A.F.E. sends a clear message that advanced fraud prevention is now an essential cornerstone for higher education institutions. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for protecting students and institutional resources against emerging fraud threats.”
The tool reportedly flags staff in real time when it detects potential fraudulent behavior, while machine-learning algorithms add a layer of detection for fraudulent admissions, enrollment, and financial aid processes. Financial aid fraud is common — California’s community colleges lost more than $7.5 million to financial fraud last year, EdSource reported.
