In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the need to allocate school district resources fairly and lawfully is more critical than ever. Residency fraud, the act of providing false residency information for educational benefits, poses a significant challenge.

At Frasco® District Residency Investigations, our Residency Investigation teams uncover these issues while we keep privacy front and center. In short, a well-planned Residency Investigation helps districts protect funds, follow rules, and treat families fairly.

Residency Investigation in Online Enrollment Fraud Detection

With the rise of online enrollment in school districts, the risk of fraudulent applications has increased. Therefore, districts should pair online workflows with a simple, privacy-safe Residency Investigation checklist. To combat this, districts can implement verification processes to ensure the authenticity of online enrollments. Common strategies that districts adopt include:

  • Notarized Documents: Requiring notarized documents adds an extra layer of verification, deterring fraudulent applications by confirming the authenticity of provided documents.
  • Geolocation Data: Using geolocation data during the online enrollment process can verify the applicant’s address, ensuring that the device is within the district’s boundaries.
  • Digital Document Verification: Implementing advanced tools to analyze electronic documents for signs of tampering can help detect fraudulent activities.
  • Cross-Referencing Databases: Verifying residency information by cross-referencing various databases such as property records, utility accounts, and public records.
  • Training and Awareness: Educating school staff on the red flags of residency misrepresentation can enhance the prevention of fraud.

Additionally, when any flag appears, a targeted Residency Investigation can confirm facts quickly and with minimal disruption.

Our Residency Investigation Approach

At Frasco, we conduct residency investigations with a clear, respectful approach, ensuring compliance with district policies while safeguarding individual privacy. Our investigative methods include:

  • Desktop Investigations: Reviewing databases, county records, and conducting verifications and additional checks.
  • Field Investigations: Interviewing local utility companies, home insurance providers, neighbors, and discreetly conducting surveillance.

Balancing Privacy and Security in Residency Investigation

Our mission at Frasco is to give school districts the resources and tools they need to protect educational equity by ensuring that only the intended residents benefit from district resources. At the same time, we keep data narrow, need-to-know, and secure to minimize intrusion into personal lives.

Residency fraud impacts numerous school districts annually, diverting resources from legitimate residents. By using a tailored Residency Investigation plan, Frasco® District Residency Investigations helps districts optimize resources, maintain educational quality, and uphold community trust.

In practice, that means quicker answers, fewer disputes, and better use of funds. Discover how a right-sized Residency Investigation program can protect your district’s resources and support students today.

Want to Learn More?

See how school districts use investigations to protect resources and keep enrollment fair.

📄 Download our white paper:  Protecting Educational Resources: 4 Ways to Address Residency Fraud

Stay Updated: Get our latest posts, school-district fraud trends, and upcoming events—right in your feed 👉 Follow Frasco on LinkedIn

Contact Us Today

Frasco® District Residency Investigations delivers ethical and efficient solutions tailored to your needs. Have questions or want to discuss your investigative needs further? Schedule a call with one of our experts today to find the answers you’re looking for.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult your general counsel for specific legal guidance. Frasco investigators are licensed, and our operations comply with US industry, federal, state, and local laws.