Protect Your Research From Fraud
Proactive, stealthy fraud detection that identifies bad actors before they compromise your data. Built for researchers, by researchers.
Fraud is an Existential Threat to Online Research
Recent studies reveal that fraud is widespread, and standard detection approaches aren't working.
Operational Costs
- Delayed study timelines
- Increased staff burden
- Unusable data
Financial Costs
- Wasted participant incentives
- Increased recruitment spending
- Potential funder repayment
Scientific Costs
- Invalid findings
- Vulnerable to critique
- Retraction risk
Standard approaches like IP checks miss 70% of fraudsters
Study Shield Internal Data, 2026
A Smarter Approach to Fraud Detection
Study Shield uses proven detections to identify fraudulent participants before they enter your study.
Proactive Detection
Identify fraudsters before they enroll, not after they've corrupted your data.
Evasion Resistant
Detection methods are hidden, making it much harder for bad actors to adapt.
Multi-Pronged Approach
50+ detection methods assessing authenticity and uniqueness.
Clear, Actionable Output
Receive a simple fraud risk rating for each participant to inform your decisions.
Fast Integration
Add to your existing workflow in minutes, even if you've already launched. Model IRB language provided.
Researcher Built
55+ combined years working with federally funded online research and IRB review.
Works with your existing survey platform
Compatible with Qualtrics, REDCap, Typeform, custom solutions, etc.
Ask us about our complete online research solution — data collection, participant tracking, interventions, messaging, and more.
Why Study Shield
Whether you're looking for a standalone solution or an additional layer of protection, here's how Study Shield compares to common approaches.
vs. Empanelment Solutions
Challenges:
- •Unpredictable, per-participant costs add up fast
- •Limited pools make niche populations hard to reach
- •Reputation systems can be gamed over time
- •Locks you into a single recruitment channel
Study Shield
- ✓Clear, predictable, affordable pricing
- ✓Lets you recruit safely on social media, or use with other recruitment sources
- ✓Reputation is considered, but not your only line of defense
vs. Basic Fraud Checks
Challenges:
- •Easily bypassed with increasingly available tools
- •Blunt exclusions lose legitimate participants
- •Well-known methods fraudsters know to avoid
- •Limited adaptation as fraud tactics evolve
Study Shield
- ✓Multi-layered signals assess authenticity with nuance
- ✓Discreet detections that are difficult to bypass
- ✓Constantly improving methodologies based on real data
vs. Manual Reviews/Screening
Challenges:
- •Difficult or expensive to scale
- •Usually delays participant flow
- •Drop-off points risk losing real participants
- •Sophisticated actors can still pass live interviews
Study Shield
- ✓Automated, instant screening that scales easily
- ✓No scheduling, no delays, no staff burden
- ✓Adapt participant flow based on risk level
Born from the Trenches
We've been where you are. We've spent years fighting fraud in our own federally funded research: building detection methods, testing their performance, and adapting with changing tactics. When AI accelerated the problem, we knew researchers needed a dedicated solution.
Study Shield is that solution. Decades of hard-won experience, now available to everyone.
Get Started
See Study Shield in action with your own study.
Ready to protect your research?
Get in touch to discuss how Study Shield can help your study.
Email: contact@studyshield.io
Quick Setup
Easy integration with your existing survey platform
Pilot Study
Test with a small sample to see results
Full Deployment
Scale up with confidence in your data