Final answer:
Greek philosophers in Rome were sometimes lured under false pretenses of high status and pay, only to face worse conditions after their arrival. Additionally, Christians were accused of manipulating children and women to gain influence, undermining traditional education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dishonest practice that students in Rome may have engaged in lies within the context of their interactions with their teachers, particularly those from Greece who came to Rome for the potential monetary rewards of tutoring Romans. Based on Lucian's 'On the Dependent Philosopher', it appears that Roman students and their families could sometimes lure Greek philosophers to Rome under false pretenses, treating them like royalty initially, only to have their situation deteriorate thereafter. These Greek tutors were likely promised a certain status and pay, which was not followed through.
In another aspect, some Christians were accused by Celsus of manipulating children and women in private settings to gain influence, which may be seen as a form of intellectual dishonesty toward the established teachers and the traditional educational structure.