NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, read the "Background" and watch the news reports under "Resources" below the questions.

1. a) What is the goal of Operation Ghostbusters, and how much money might the ongoing scam have cost taxpayers?
b) For how long has the "ghost student" scam been going on?

2. How do fraudsters create “ghost students”?

3. What did officials report about community college applications in California in 2024?

4. How widespread is the scope of the investigation?

5. What charges and seizures has Operation Ghostbusters already produced?

6. What do you think the DOJ and colleges can/should do to prevent this student aid fraud using identity theft?

7. What sentence do you think these fraudsters should receive for their crimes?