Identity Theft and Fraud Reporting

Steps for Victims of Identity Theft or Fraud

If Chaffey College identifies potential identity theft or financial aid fraud, a hold may be placed on the student's account, preventing registration and/or financial aid disbursement until identity and eligibility are verified. Students may be required to provide documentation and appear in person for verification.

Cases involving suspected fraud may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General and/or law enforcement. Students found responsible may face disciplinary action, repayment of improperly received funds, collection activity, and possible criminal prosecution.

Students who believe they are victims of identity theft are encouraged to file a police report and contact appropriate financial and credit institutions.

Students who have experienced identity theft or fraud should take the following steps to protect themselves and their future financial aid eligibility:

1. File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
2. Report the fraud to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General (OIG).
   Students are encouraged to submit a complaint through the OIG’s online form. Complaints may also be submitted by mail or fax using the OIG Hotline Form; however, mailed or faxed submissions may take longer to process.

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Inspector General Hotline
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-1500
Fax: (202) 245-7047

3. Upon receiving an official determination from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG), the student must submit the decision letter to Admissions and Records through an electronic Identity Verification Request form
4. . To request corrections to the student’s school records and Financial Aid, the letter provided by the OIG office must be attached.
5. Contact all credit bureaus and your banking institution. 

Corrections to student records may be processed separately from financial aid adjustments. Financial aid records generally will not be adjusted until an official determination has been received from the OIG.

 

Please note that the Financial Aid Office cannot inform you of the status of any investigation of fraud. If you need assistance, please visit the OIG's Frequently Asked Questions page.

 

Students Without Financial Aid

Students who are victims of identity theft or fraud, and who did not receive financial aid disbursements, may request closure of their Chaffey College student account by completing the following steps:

1. File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
2. Submit the Identity Theft Verification Form to Admissions and Records and upload a copy of the police report.