Cyber professional reveals methods used in job candidate scams
In the digital age, scammers have found new ways to exploit vulnerable groups, and future students are no exception. According to reports by RT, these schemes have been on the rise, particularly targeting 17-year-old applicants, their parents, residents of regions with low digital security awareness, and young men conscripted into military service.
Since the beginning of the year, cybercriminals have deceived Kuban residents out of 3 billion rubles, and regional law enforcement has registered over 12,000 information crimes in the first six months of 2025. Igor Bederev, director of the investigation department of security system supplier T.Hunter, has emphasized key schemes this year, including phishing disguised as admission commissions, fake sales of budget spots, EGE score boosting, registration in various fake applicant registries, and obtaining military enlistment records.
Among the most prevalent types of scams targeting future students are Ghost Students and AI-Driven Financial Aid Fraud, Scholarship Scams, and Identity Theft for Financial Aid.
Ghost Students and AI-Driven Financial Aid Fraud involves sophisticated networks using AI to create fake student profiles, enrolling these "ghost students" in online classes, and obtaining financial aid. To identify this scheme, look out for unusual student enrollments or financial aid disbursements. Institutions may report suspicious activity, such as multiple applications linked to a few phone numbers.
Scholarship Scams are another common threat. Scammers pose as financial aid representatives, claiming students have won scholarships without applying and often asking for payment to release the funds. Be wary of unsolicited scholarship offers requiring payment. Legitimate scholarships do not charge fees to apply or accept awards.
Identity Theft for Financial Aid is a third type of scam where scammers use stolen identities to apply for financial aid, often targeting individuals who are unaware their identities have been compromised. To protect yourself, monitor financial aid accounts and student loan servicer statements for unauthorized activity. Unexpected loans or financial aid disbursements could indicate identity theft.
To avoid these scams, it's essential to verify sources, be cautious of unsolicited offers, monitor accounts, and report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities. By being aware of these scams and taking proactive steps, future students can better protect themselves from financial fraud.
According to Bederev, among the main signs of fraud are demands for confidential data and passwords, pressure for urgency and threats, and the use of unofficial communication channels and fake websites. Stay vigilant, and good luck in your academic pursuits!
[1] Source: https://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/policy/index.html [2] Source: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0257-identity-theft [3] Source: https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/general/what-is-identity-theft [4] Source: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-scholarship-scams
1.In the realm of general-news, cybersecurity incidents involving future students have been escalating, with schemes such as Ghost Students, AI-Driven Financial Aid Fraud, Scholarship Scams, and Identity Theft for Financial Aid on the rise.2. To combat these crimes and justice issues in the technology sector, it is imperative for students to be vigilant, verifying sources, being cautious of unsolicited offers, monitoring accounts, and reporting suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities, as advised by Igor Bederev, director of the investigation department of security system supplier T.Hunter.
