Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention

What is identity theft, and why should students be concerned?

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information—like your Social Security number, student ID, or financial aid credentials—without permission to commit fraud. In higher education, this can impact your financial aid, academic records, and even your ability to register or graduate.

How can I protect myself from identity theft?

Every student should take these steps:

• Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Never share login credentials, even with trusted friends.
• Monitor your student account and financial aid activity regularly.
• Shred sensitive documents—don’t leave them in dorm trash bins.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing student portals or banking apps.
• Be cautious with email links and attachments—phishing is a top threat.

What to Do If You Suspect Identity Theft

If you believe your identity has been compromised, take these steps immediately:

1. Report it to our fraud response team

We’re here to help you secure your records and navigate recovery.
Email: fraudprevention@usu.edu

2. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

This creates an official Identity Theft Report, which grants you rights under federal law.
Website: Visit IdentityTheft.gov
FTC Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-438-4338

You’ll receive a personalized recovery plan and sample letters to dispute fraudulent activity.

3. Notify your bank and credit card companies

Immediately contact your financial institutions to freeze or close compromised accounts.
HelpWithMyBank.gov offers guidance for federally regulated banks.

4. Place a fraud alert with a credit bureau

This free alert requires businesses to verify your identity before opening new credit.
Contact one bureau—they’ll notify the other two:

You may also request a credit freeze for stronger protection.

5. Report it to local law enforcement

Bring your FTC Identity Theft Report, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of address.
Ask for a copy of the police report—it may be required to resolve fraudulent debts.

Whether you’re a current student, parent, or incoming applicant, your protection is our priority—and our systems are built to defend it.

What is the institution doing to prevent fraud?

We’ve implemented robust protections across all campuses:

• Real-time monitoring of suspicious activity.
• Secure VPN and encrypted data storage.
• Strict access controls and audit trails for financial aid systems.
• Staff training on fraud detection and red flags.
• Cross-departmental fraud response protocols.

Attempts to exploit our systems will be met with full legal and institutional consequences. Contact USU IT Help for questions.

How does this relate to Title IV and federal aid?

Under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, we are required to demonstrate administrative capability in managing federal student aid. That includes:

• Safeguarding student data from unauthorized access.
• Preventing disbursement errors due to identity fraud.
• Maintaining accurate records and reporting.
• Responding to fraud indicators swiftly and decisively.

We fulfill these obligations with precision and vigilance.

Will this affect my financial aid?

If fraud is suspected or detected, we may temporarily suspend disbursement of financial aid or refunds while we investigate. This is not punitive—it’s a protective measure to ensure your funds are secure and your records remain accurate.

In some cases, identity verification may be required before any aid is disbursed or refunds are issued. This can include presenting government-issued photo identification, completing secure authentication steps, or submitting documentation to confirm your identity.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education may select students for FAFSA verification, which can include identity confirmation as part of national fraud prevention efforts. While some selections are random, others are based on specific criteria designed to safeguard federal aid programs. As a Title IV-eligible institution, we are federally required to complete verification—including identity checks—before any federal aid can be disbursed. These requirements may also extend to state and institutional aid, ensuring that all funding is awarded securely and appropriately.

These protections apply to:

• Federal aid (Grants, Federal Loans, etc.)
• Institutional or private scholarships
• State aid programs
• Private loans
• Refunds from excess aid or account credits

Once your identity is verified and any concerns are resolved, your aid will be reinstated promptly. We know how important these funds are—and we’re committed to protecting them while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

What if I’m a parent or family member—how can I help?

• Encourage your student to follow the safety tips above.
• Avoid sharing sensitive documents via unsecured email.
• Monitor any shared financial accounts for unusual activity.
• Contact our fraud response team if you suspect anything concerning.

Does this apply to all campuses?

Yes. Whether you attend in Logan, Statewide, Eastern, or online, these protections and protocols apply equally. Our systems are unified, and our commitment to your safety is campus-wide.

Who can I contact for help?

You can reach out to fraudprevention@usu.edu. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.