In this episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla, joined by CTO Petar, explore the growing challenge of college application fraud and Element451's innovative AI solution. They discuss how fraudulent applications impact institutions through resource theft, financial aid abuse, and system manipulation. The conversation reveals how Element451's new AI-powered fraud detection system uses behavioral data and LLM reasoning to identify suspicious applications while avoiding demographic bias. The team explains their approach of keeping humans in the loop while using advanced technology to process applications at scale.Introduction and Context (00:00:07)Hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla welcome special guest PetarDiscussion focuses on college application fraud detectionElement451's development of AI-powered solutionUnderstanding Application Fraud (00:02:26)Impact on non-selective institutions and community colleges without application feesFraudulent applications seeking .edu email addresses for free resourcesFinancial aid fraud through fake applicationsMultiple levels of fraud affecting institutionsManual review process becoming overwhelming for schoolsCurrent Detection Methods and Challenges (00:05:05)Discussion of sophisticated fraud schemes beyond simple automationFraudsters using real data and identity theftVPN usage to mask locationsCurrent manual review processes and their limitationsTime constraints in application review during peak seasonsElement451's AI Solution: Bolt AI (00:10:16)Introduction to Bolt AI as Element451's AI frameworkMultiple factors considered in fraud detectionBehavioral data analysis approachFocus on non-demographic indicators to prevent biasKey Detection Factors (00:12:21)Time to submission analysisApplication submission patternsIP address verification and VPN detectionEmail validation and bounce rate checkingGeographic location analysisCross-system duplicate detectionAI Implementation and Reasoning (00:21:13)Use of Large Language Models (LLMs) for reasoningAdvantage over traditional rule-based systemsExplainable AI decisions with detailed reasoningProcessing of 60,000 applications in initial weeksHuman feedback integration for system improvementBias Prevention and Fair Evaluation (00:32:33)Focus on behavioral data rather than demographic informationHuman-in-the-loop approach for final decisionsImportance of transparency in decision-makingFeedback collection for system refinementOperational Impact (00:38:18)Creation of separate workflows for high-risk applicationsQuarantine system for suspicious applicationsBalance between fast processing and securityResource protection and cost savingsImproved student experience through faster legitimate application processingFuture Developments (00:42:55)Plans for generative UI in student experienceDevelopment of proactive AI systemsEnhanced personalization capabilitiesIntegration with student hubDynamic workflow planning based on student behaviorBenefits and Innovation (00:46:18)Improved data integrity in application processingTransparent decision-making processEnhanced speed without compromising securityBetter resource allocation for legitimate applications - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Ardis Kadiuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/https://twitter.com/ardisDr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/https://twitter.com/jbonillxAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
