WVU Police issues Community Notice for reported fraud, extortion cases

West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice Monday (Aug. 24) following reports of at least four cases of fraud and extortion since the start of the semester.

The cases include several "sextortion" complaints, with students reporting someone threatening to distribute private and sensitive material if monetary demands were not met.

"We advise that you only interact online, via social media, by phone, or by text with people you know," Chief Sherry St. Clair said. "If you think you may be a victim of fraud or extortion of any kind, call the police immediately. There is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. We want to help."

"Sextortion" cases often begin with someone sending sensitive images to someone they believe wants to start a relationship, only to discover the person is not who they claimed they were. The recipient of the images then demands money or other materials in exchange for not sharing the images.

In another case, a student received demands for funds following a fraudulent check deposit.

Here are some tips to protect yourself and others:

• NEVER send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are or who they say they are.
• Do not open attachments from people you do not know. Links can secretly hack your electronic devices using malware to gain access to your private data, photos, and contacts, or control your web camera and microphone without your knowledge.
• Be skeptical and ask questions when communicating with someone new, especially when it comes to unsolicited calls or text messages.
• If someone you do not know asks for money, do not send it. Call the police immediately. If you send them money, there is a high likelihood that money won't be returned even after an investigation is complete.
• Turn off electronic devices and web cameras when not in use.

WVU Police can be reached by phone at 304-293-3136 or 304-293-2677, in person at 886 Chestnut Ridge Road, or via the LiveSafe app.

External Resources:
• FBI - Scams and safety
• FBI - What is sextortion?
• FBI - Common frauds and scams

Additional Resources:
• WVU Police Department - 911, 304-293-2677, 304-293-3136
• WVU CARE Team - 304-293-5611
• WVU Carruth Center - 304-293-4431 or, if in crisis, text WVU to 741741
• WVU Office of Compliance and Prevention Education - 304-293-5600
• WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities - 304-293-8111
• WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program - 304-293-5590
• Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center - 304-292-5100
• WVU Office of Campus and Community Life - 304-293-5611
• WVU Student Health - 304-285-7200
• WVU Division of Student Life - 304-293-5811

Safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at police.wvu.edu.

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X and @WVUsafetyofficial on Instagram, and download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.

A Community Notice is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.

-WVU-

SCM/8/24/26

MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.