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FOIA Request to New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Regarding Financial Aid Fraud on May 7, 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at Capital District Times have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. Our request seeks detailed records concerning financial aid fraud within the state’s higher education institutions.
According to a recent article from CalMatters, California community colleges are grappling with increasing instances of financial aid fraud. The report highlights that bots account for approximately 25% of applicants, with scammers—referred to as “Pell runners”—utilizing artificial intelligence to secure grants before disappearing. This fraudulent activity has reportedly cost schools over $5 million since 2021, despite enhanced detection efforts aimed at curbing such practices.
In light of these revelations, we are seeking specific data points from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation to understand whether similar issues are present in New York. Our request includes information on college names, applicant names involved in fraudulent activities, the amount of fraud committed, and the dates of these incidents.
Access to public records is crucial for us as media professionals to hold public institutions accountable and ensure transparency for the public. As members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating state and federal governmental agencies—we leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to inform the American electorate about government actions.
We look forward to receiving the requested information and will continue our efforts to provide insightful reporting on this critical issue affecting higher education institutions.
