Addressing Credential Fraud in Higher Education

Panel Highlights the Importance of Recognizing Academic Fraud and Verifying Credentials in Recent Webinar

Credential fraud is not just a headline — it’s a rapidly growing threat to higher education and the workforce, with recent cases costing businesses millions and putting public trust at risk. This is especially true given the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create fraudulent transcripts, diploma deepfakes, and diploma mills. Fake credentials undermine the integrity of accredited educational institutions. They also have widespread effects on the workforce, professional standards, and public trust in education systems.

In a recent webinar, “Fake Degrees, Real Consequences: How Credential Fraud Impacts Business & Education,” higher ed and security professionals unpacked this evolving issue. The panel included:

• John Ramsey, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, National Student Clearinghouse
• Cheryl Dworak, Information Specialist, Rutgers University
• Cheryl Trammel, Director of Customer Care, National Student Clearinghouse
• Brian Kolonich, Manager of Strategic Accounts, National Student Clearinghouse

Three Key Takeaways

The panel discussed credential fraud in higher education, including a multi-state scheme known as “Operation Nightingale.” Here are three key takeaways from the discussion.

1. Credential fraud is evolving and accelerating.

Bad actors are, unfortunately, finding new, advanced ways to forge credentials. From diploma mills to AI-generated deepfakes, fake documents can look alarmingly real.

During “Operation Nightingale,” for example, over 7,600 fake nursing diplomas and transcripts were sold between 2016-2021 for over $114 million. Some individuals even passed national exams and entered the workforce — all without legitimate training. This put lives and reputations at risk. Investigations are still underway in 13 states.

This scheme shed light on the importance of staying vigilant to identify fake credentials. It also reaffirmed that businesses need to have tools in place, such as verification services, to combat them.

2. Businesses are paying the price for credential fraud.

Businesses can lose thousands of dollars in rehiring and litigation costs due to credential fraud. This is in addition to the damage it can inflict on the company’s reputation. Knowing this, employers are proactively seeking solutions to protect themselves and their customers. This makes verifying credentials more important than ever.

“You are taking a huge risk by not having credentials completely verified through a primary source [like the Clearinghouse],” said Trammel. “If that’s a risk people are willing to take, then you could possibly put yourself in a bad situation as a company.”

3. There are steps that the education community can take to address credential fraud.

While credential fraud may be on the rise, it is not something that needs to be accepted. Ramsey offered three steps that the education community can take to combat the issue.

Strengthen your overall verification process.

This includes using services from the Clearinghouse, such as DiplomaVerify, DegreeVerify, and EnrollmentVerify.

Continue to raise awareness about credential fraud.

Education is one of the strongest defenses. You can raise awareness by sharing the dangers of diploma mills, for instance. Or if you see something, say something. Notify an organization, like the Internet Crime Complaint Center, about behavior that may be linked to credential fraud.

Have reporting mechanisms in place.

For example, registrars or students can report suspected credentials fraud to their institutions or institutions can notify the Clearinghouse of misconduct.

“We’re all in this together,” emphasized Ramsey. “Between all of us, we can continue to fight the fight and make sure that the real diplomas and certifications are actually awarded as they should be.”

Watch On-Demand

Learn more about how increased credential fraud in higher education is making verification services an asset. Register to watch “Fake Degrees, Real Consequences: How Credential Fraud Impacts Business & Education” on-demand.