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Lehigh University Student Fakes Father’s Death to Get Scholarship – NBC Philadelphia (41)
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Lehigh University Student Fakes Father’s Death to Get Scholarship – NBC Philadelphia (41)

A former Lehigh University freshman is facing charges after faking his father’s death to get a scholarship to the school, according to authorities.

Aryan Anand, 19, is an international student from India who was attending classes at Lehigh University while on a full scholarship to the school, authorities said.

The Northampton County District Attorney’s Office said Anand’s admission to the school was canceled in 2024 after officials discovered he faked his father’s death to get the scholarship.

Anand allegedly created and submitted false documents including transcripts, financial aid, taxes, income statements and a death certificate. He is also accused of creating an email address and posing as a director.

The investigation into Anand began after a moderator of the social media site Reddit notified Lehigh University about a post titled “I have built my life and career on lies,” officials explained.

During the investigation led by the Lehigh University Police Department, it was confirmed that the post was written by Anand. The investigation also found that his father was alive and living in India.

Anand was arrested on April 30, 2024, and charged with forgery, tampering with records, theft by deception, and theft of services.

Anand was arraigned and his bail was set at $25,000. During a preliminary hearing on May 14, he waived his right to a hearing and his charges were transferred to the Court of Common Pleas.

On June 12, Anand negotiated a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to one count of forgery and agreed to return to India.

Anand was taken into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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