Fraud Incident Procedures

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:

1. Complete a Fraud Incident Report Form. Provide the relevant details about the suspected fraud, including any supporting information or documentation available to you.
2. Submit the Report. Forward the completed form to the Director of Internal Audit for review and investigation.
3. Follow Established Procedures. Refer to the Fraudulent Student Account Procedures and Guidelines for additional guidance on reporting, handling, and responding to suspected fraud.

Individual Reporting Identity Theft

If an individual contacts your office to report that their identity has been stolen or used without their authorization, utilize the WMU Campus Identity Theft Quick Reference and follow the steps below:

1. Collect the Individual’s Contact Information. Obtain the individual’s full name, phone number, and email address.
2. Explain the Claim Process. Inform the individual that they will receive a secure OneDrive link within the next few business days to submit the documentation required to initiate an identity theft claim.
3. Explain the Documentation Requirements. Let the individual know that all required documentation must be submitted through the secure OneDrive link. They will need to provide the following documents to start the internal review process.

• Identity Theft Intake Form
• Copy of a Government-Issued Photo ID
• FTC Identity Theft Report

• Police Report

  4. Submit an Internal Fraud Incident Report. Complete a Fraud Incident Report Form and forward it to the Director of Internal Audit, including the individual's contact information so they can follow up directly.

Do not attempt to investigate the reported identity theft or contact the suspected account holder. Refer the matter to the Director of Internal Audit for review and follow established confidentiality and evidence-preservation procedures. Protect personal information throughout the process. Do not disclose student account details or send sensitive information through unapproved channels.

If you believe someone has used your personal information without your permission to apply to Western Michigan University (WMU), create a student account, request federal or other aid, or access university services, please follow the steps below.

1. Contact WMU. Contact the Director of Internal Controls at @email to report your concerns. Please provide your name and contact information so we can follow up with you.
2. Complete and Submit the Required Documentation. After contacting WMU, you will receive an email with a secure OneDrive link to upload the required documents. WMU will begin its review once all required documentation has been received. Please upload the following:

• Identity Theft Intake Form – Complete the form with information about the suspected identity theft.
• Government-Issued Photo ID – Provide a copy of a valid photo ID to verify your identity.
• FTC Identity Theft Report – File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

• Police Report – File a report with your local or WMU law enforcement agency and provide a copy.

  3.Take Optional 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 and help prevent further misuse of your personal information. These actions are separate from WMU's review.

• Review Your Credit Reports. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain your credit reports and check for unfamiliar accounts or activity.
• Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze. Contact Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to learn how to place a fraud alert or freeze 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.

4. What Happens After You Submit Your Documentation? Once WMU receives your completed documentation, the university will review your report and coordinate an investigation with the appropriate campus offices. WMU may contact you if additional information is needed. Once the review is complete, WMU will communicate the outcome, as appropriate and consistent with applicable privacy requirements, and take any necessary action.

Forms and Resources

• Fraudulent Student Account Procedures and Guidelines
• Identity Theft Claimant Intake Form
• Fraud Incident Report Form
• WMU Campus Identity Theft Quick Reference
• Federal Trade Commission — Identity Theft
• Federal Student Aid
• Social Security Administration
• AnnualCreditReport.com

Contact Director of Internal Audit at @email for assistance with reporting suspected student account fraud or identity theft.