WVU Police issues Community Notice to raise awareness about potential scams

West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice Monday (March 9) urging students and other members of the University community to be vigilant about possible scams.

"Professional scammers are well trained to trick you out of money or other valuables," Chief Sherry St. Clairsaid. "We regularly hear from students, faculty and staff members who have been scammed online, on social media, by phone, text or other methods. Once money is transferred, it's often difficult to reclaim it. Ask questions before any kind of large transaction."

Here are some additional tips to protect yourself and others:

• 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 any investigation is complete.

• If you're told a check is being deposited into your account to verify your identity, ask questions. Don't immediately transfer the deposit back or you could be responsible due to the "float" time for banking checks.

• NEVER send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are or who they say they are.

• Do not open email or text 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.

• Turn off electronic devices and web cameras when not in use.

If you have any questions about potential scams, WVU Police can be reached by phone at 304-293-3136, 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
• 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.

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

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