Accounts Receivable

Fraud Incident Procedures

Student Account Fraud & Identity Verification -Protecting student identities and university accounts

fraudulent_student_account_procedures_and_guidelines_final.pdf 468.68 KB
identity_theft_claimant_intake_form.pdf 158.06 KB
fraud_incident_report_form.pdf 133.58 KB

Western Michigan University (WMU) is committed to protecting student information, preventing identity theft, and maintaining the integrity of university accounts and services.

WMU uses identity verification procedures to help ensure that individuals accessing university accounts or services are authorized to do so. If you suspect that someone has used your personal information without permission, created a fraudulent student account, or submitted an application or financial aid request in your name, report the concern promptly.

This page provides guidance for campus employees and individuals who need to report or respond to suspected student account fraud and identity theft.

For Campus Employees

If you suspect student account fraud or someone contacts you to report identity theft, follow the appropriate process below.

Suspected Student Account Fraud

If you identify suspicious activity or suspect that a student account, application, or university service may be fraudulent:

  • Complete the Fraud Incident Report Form.
  • Provide the relevant information and supporting documentation available to you.
  • Follow the established Student Account Fraud Prevention and Identity Verification Procedures for review and investigation.

Individual Reporting Identity Theft

If someone contacts your office stating that their identity has been stolen or used without their permission:

  1. Use the Identity Theft Intake Checklist to guide the individual through the initial reporting steps.
  2. Help the individual complete the Identity Theft Claimant Intake Form.
  3. Explain what supporting documentation is required and how to submit it securely.
  4. Submit the completed intake materials through the designated university process.

Protect personal information throughout the process. Do not disclose student account details or send sensitive information through unapproved channels.

For Students and Individuals Reporting Identity Theft

If you believe someone has used your personal information without your permission to apply to WMU, create a student account, request financial aid, or obtain university services, take the following steps.

1. Submit a report to WMU

Complete the Identity Theft Claimant Intake Form and provide the required supporting documentation using the designated secure submission method.

Providing complete information and requested documentation will help WMU review your report.

2. Take steps to protect your personal information

In addition to reporting the incident to WMU, consider taking the following steps to protect your identity and financial accounts:

  • Place a fraud alert or credit freeze. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to learn about placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit.
  • Contact Federal Student Aid. If you believe someone has accessed or misused your Federal Student Aid account or FSA ID, call 1-800-433-3243 or visit StudentAid.gov.
  • Contact the Social Security Administration. If your Social Security number may have been compromised, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 for guidance.
  • Review your credit reports. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain your credit reports and look for unfamiliar accounts or activity.
  • Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Visit IdentityTheft.gov for additional guidance and a personalized recovery plan.

These steps are separate from WMU's investigation and may help protect you from further misuse of your personal information.

3. What happens after you submit your report?

WMU will review the information provided and coordinate an investigation with the appropriate campus offices. Additional information or documentation may be requested as needed.

Once the investigation is complete, WMU will communicate the outcome to the reporting individual, as appropriate and consistent with applicable privacy requirements.

Additional Resources

Questions? Contact Director of Internal Audit for assistance with reporting suspected student account fraud or identity theft.