AMSA Named the First Line of Defense Against Student Application Fraud as Threats Surge Nationwide

NATIONWIDE - DECEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In recent years, the rise of synthetic identities, AI-generated documents, and organized fraud rings have made it increasingly difficult for higher education institutions to ensure the integrity of their admissions systems and financial aid processes. Colleges and universities are facing significant challenges as they contend with fraudulent applications, which can result in both financial losses and reputational damage.

Maurice Simpkins, a former professional athlete turned tech entrepreneur, and his wife, Laqwacia Simpkins, recognized the urgency of this issue. Together, they founded AMSimpkins & Associates (AMSA) with the mission to help institutions protect themselves from the growing threat of fraud in the admissions process. The company’s flagship platform, the Student Application Fraudulent Examination (S.A.F.E.), has been adopted by over 225 institutions to combat these challenges.

The Growing Threat of Fraud in Higher Education

Higher education institutions have become prime targets for scammers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the admissions and financial aid systems. Fraudulent activities, such as the use of fake identities and altered documents, have increased sharply in recent years, particularly during peak application seasons like FAFSA submission periods.

Maurice Simpkins explains, "Higher education is facing an unprecedented level of application fraud. Fraudulent schemes have become more sophisticated, and existing systems are struggling to keep pace."

This surge in fraud poses serious consequences for colleges and universities, not just in terms of financial losses, but also in terms of the integrity of the admissions process. Traditional methods of identity verification have proven ineffective in identifying these increasingly complex schemes, leaving institutions vulnerable to manipulation.

The Development of S.A.F.E.: A Tailored Solution for Higher Education

In response to this growing challenge, AMSimpkins & Associates developed the S.A.F.E. platform, a fraud-prevention solution specifically designed for higher education institutions. Maurice Simpkins emphasizes, “We created S.A.F.E. because we knew colleges needed a solution that could address the unique challenges they face. Traditional fraud detection tools were not sufficient.”

S.A.F.E. sets itself apart with its multi-layered approach to fraud detection. Unlike traditional systems, which often rely on basic identity verification checks, S.A.F.E. incorporates a comprehensive suite of tools, including document forensics, behavioral analytics, real-time risk scoring, and geolocation anomaly tracking. The platform uses advanced technology to identify patterns and behaviors associated with fraudulent applications.

"S.A.F.E. isn't just a document check, it’s an intelligence system that understands fraud on a deeper level," says Maurice Simpkins.

AMSimpkins & Associates: Best Fraud Prevention Solution for Colleges in the United States of 2025

AMSimpkins & Associates (AMSA) has been recognized as the Best Fraud Prevention Solution for Colleges in the United States of 2025 by the Evergreen Awards. This prestigious award celebrates AMSA's groundbreaking contributions to higher education, particularly with the development of their proprietary platform, S.A.F.E. (Student Application Fraudulent Examination). AMSA’s work is revolutionizing the way colleges and universities protect themselves from the rising threats of fraud in admissions and financial aid processes.

Building a National Network for Fraud Prevention

One of the standout features of S.A.F.E. is the creation of the S.A.F.E. College Fraud Network, a collaborative intelligence system that allows colleges and universities to share insights about emerging threats. This network enables institutions to respond more effectively to fraud in real-time, leveraging collective knowledge and resources to protect one another.

"Our national fraud network helps colleges stay one step ahead. When one institution detects a new type of fraud, others can act quickly to prevent it," Maurice adds.

This collaborative approach is crucial in the fight against fraud, as it ensures that no institution is left to combat these challenges alone.

A Mission-Driven Company

AMSimpkins & Associates is committed not only to technological innovation but also to a mission of social impact. The company is Black-owned and woman-led, with a strong focus on making a difference in the education sector. Maurice’s background as a professional athlete has shaped his strategic thinking, while Laqwacia’s leadership ensures that AMSA remains focused on its mission to protect educational institutions and students.

“Our story is about solving real problems with innovative solutions,” says Laqwacia Simpkins, CEO of AMSA. “We saw a critical gap in higher education, and we chose to address it head-on.”

AMSA’s work in cybersecurity and fraud prevention has garnered recognition from industry leaders and organizations, further validating the significance of their contributions to the sector.

Protecting the Student Lifecycle

S.A.F.E. offers a comprehensive solution that spans the entire student lifecycle, from application to enrollment. It integrates seamlessly with an institution’s existing systems, such as student information systems (SIS) and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, ensuring that operations are not disrupted.

"We understand the challenges colleges face because we work closely with them," says Laqwacia. "S.A.F.E. was built to solve the entire fraud problem, not just part of it."

This deep integration into the higher education sector is what sets AMSA apart from other solutions, ensuring that institutions can protect the integrity of their admissions and financial aid processes from start to finish.

Looking to the Future

AMSA's vision is clear: to continue expanding its reach and refining its technology to meet the growing needs of higher education institutions. With over 225 institutions already benefiting from the platform, the company is focused on scaling its efforts to protect more schools, from small community colleges to large universities.

“Every fraudulent applicant we stop creates an opportunity for a legitimate student to succeed,” Maurice concludes. "Our goal is to ensure that students who deserve access to education get the opportunity to thrive."

AMSimpkins & Associates remains committed to its mission to protect educational institutions from fraud, working tirelessly to innovate and provide the tools necessary to safeguard the admissions process for years to come.

Call to Action:

If your institution is facing challenges with fraud prevention, consider exploring how AMSimpkins & Associates’ S.A.F.E. platform can help safeguard your admissions process. Learn more about S.A.F.E. and the S.A.F.E. College Fraud Network to understand how these tools can help protect your institution’s integrity.

Visit AMSimpkins & Associates’ website, or connect with them on LinkedIn and Facebook to discover more.