schools
As Minnesota schools get new tools to crack down on enrollment fraud, ghost student victims ask for help
By Ashley Halbach at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 2, 2026
· 4 min read
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As Minnesota schools get new tools to crack down on enrollment fraud, ghost student victims ask for help ...
Key takeaway It’s something she says could happen to anyone.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The issue of ghost students in Minnesota schools has significant implications for the state's education system and its students. As colleges and universities in the Twin Cities area, including those in Minneapolis , continue to expand their online presence, they may become increasingly vulnerable to enrollment fraud. The fact that scammers are targeting state-run schools, particularly two-year colleges, suggests that local institutions may need to bolster their defenses against these types of attacks. With the Minnesota legislature considering new tools to combat enrollment fraud, it will be important to monitor how these measures are implemented and whether they are effective in preventing ghost student cases like Kara Downer's. Additionally, local colleges and universities may need to reassess their enrollment processes and consider investing in software that can facilitate more thorough checks on student identities, as Senator Putnam suggested, to protect their students and maintain the integrity of their institutions.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? @keyframes spin {
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As Minnesota schools get new tools to crack down on enrollment fraud, ghost student victims ask for help ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ashley Halbach at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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