Let’s talk fraud. It’s not the most glamorous topic, but it’s something my team and I have been knee-deep in for the January intake. And, let me tell you, some of the things we’ve uncovered in student interviews are straight out of a sci-fi film - lip-syncing, impersonation, and even deepfake technology. Yes, deepfakes. Welcome to the future of fraud, folks.
But before we get into the details, let me assure you – there’s good news. Thanks to technology and a lot of teamwork, we’re helping universities like yours stay one step ahead. Here’s a peek at what we’ve learned from assessing approximately 20,000 interviews this intake and how we’re tackling fraud head-on.
The data doesn’t lie (but fraudsters do)
When we look at the numbers from this intake, a few trends stand out. Most interview failures were straightforward:
- 23% of applicants didn’t meet the minimum threshold to pass
And then there’s the real drama:
- 1.3% of cases involved outright deception
3rd Party Support (0.1%), Lip-syncing (0.6%), impersonation (0.5%), and deepfake attempts (0.15%). Deepfakes were the biggest surprise.
Fraudsters are getting clever, but luckily, we’re a little cleverer… (still)
Fraudulent applications: an evolving challenge
Fraudulent applications aren’t new, but as technology advances, so do the tactics used to bypass traditional verification processes. Universities have long dealt with document forgery, impersonation, and misrepresentation, but today’s fraudsters are leveraging digital manipulation and increasingly coordinated efforts to evade detection.
Many institutions still rely on manual checks, which - while thorough - struggle to catch deception at scale. The reality is that fraud detection requires both efficiency and accuracy, and human-led processes alone can’t keep pace with the volume and sophistication of modern fraud attempts.
Technology isn’t a silver bullet, but it plays a critical role in helping teams work smarter. By combining automation with expert human oversight, universities can better identify risk factors, flag inconsistencies, and prioritise cases that require deeper investigation. This approach strengthens fraud detection without adding unnecessary delays, ensuring both fairness and efficiency in the admissions process.
How we’re fighting back: the tech and teamwork that make the difference
Now, I’d love to say we’ve got a secret handshake or wear superhero capes in the office, but the truth is, it’s all down to the tools and the great people behind them.
Here’s what we’re working with:
- Facial recognition and passport matching
If you’re trying to fake your way through an interview with someone else’s face, we’re onto you. - The human touch to support the tech
This is where we come in. My team isn’t just tech-savvy – they’re like fraud detectives - we review and analyse everything on top of the tech we’re using. We check-it twice, flag the fishy stuff, and help universities act. - The right tech & the right team
With a combination of our systems and our services teams we are able to detect odd behaviour and potential fraud attempts.
Deepfakes: a real problem
Let’s take a moment to talk about deepfakes. They’re the stuff of nightmares for interview assessors - fake faces layered over real ones, complete with expressions and movements. It’s like something out of a spy film. And yes, they’re incredibly hard to detect.
But hard isn’t impossible. Thanks to real-time tech and a few clever tricks, we’ve already stopped several attempts. It’s a small but growing trend, and we’re determined to stay ahead of it and work with our partners and the wider sector. Please be mindful that deep-fakes can be used in live interviews as well.
Upcoming webinar: Fraud tactics uncovered
If this all sounds a bit intense, don’t worry. We’ve got your back. To share what we’ve learnt in this intake, I’m hosting a fraud tactics uncovered webinar on 26th February for our partner institutions.
It’s just 25 minutes – quick enough to fit into your lunch break but packed with valuable insights.
📅 Date: 26th February
⏰ Time: 12:30 pm
🎯 Format: Live webinar
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The latest fraud trends (yes, deepfakes will get a mention)
- How our tools and services make a difference
- Practical tips to improve fraud detection and protect your processes
A final thought
Fraudulent practices will keep evolving, but with the right combination of technology and expertise, universities can stay one step ahead. At Enroly, we’re proud to support our partners with innovative solutions that protect compliance and build trust. My team and I are here to make sure your processes are secure, efficient, and ready for whatever comes next.
If you’d like to know more, feel free to reach out. We’d love to help.
