Fraud & Identity Theft Prevention
At NOVA, protecting students' personal information and ensuring the proper use of financial aid is a top priority. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education disburses billions in Title IV grant and loan funds to support higher education. To maintain eligibility, both students and institutions must meet strict requirements. Unfortunately, fraudulent activity—such as falsifying information on the FAFSA or other verification documents—negatively impacts this system.
Schools Must Report Potential Fraud/Identity Theft
Federal regulations require schools to report credible information to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG) regarding Federal Student Aid applicants who may be engaging in fraudulent or other criminal misconduct in connection with their financial aid application.
This may include:
- False claims of independent student status
- False claims of citizenship
- Stolen identities
- False claims of high school completion
- Signature forgery
- Unresolved conflicting information
- False statements of income
- The intent to deceive to receive Title IV aid
Reporting Financial Aid Fraud
If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). They accept confidential tips about fraud, waste, abuse or criminal activity involving federal education funds.
How to Report:
- Hotline: 1.800.MIS.USED (1.800.647.8733)
- Website: OIG Hotline
- Mail: Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1510
- Fax: 202.245.7047
Conflicting Information
The Financial Aid Office has the right and the duty to verify questionable data or conflicting information that applicants may have submitted inaccurately on their FAFSA. Conflicting information must be resolved even if Title IV grants or loans have already been disbursed. Failure to submit accurate and legitimate verification documentation will jeopardize aid eligibility and could result in legal consequences.
What to Do If You're a Victim of Identity Theft
If you believe your identity has been compromised, it’s crucial to act quickly to minimize damage.
Immediate Steps:
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and receive a personalized recovery plan.
- Update Security Settings: Change all login credentials, PINs and passwords.
- Notify Your Bank: Request a fraud alert and monitor your financial accounts.
- Contact Credit Bureaus to Place a Free Fraud Alert:
- Report to Authorities:
- File a police report with local law enforcement.
- Contact the NOVA College Police at 703.764.5000 and provide the case number.
- Report to the Social Security Administration if your SSN is compromised.
- Notify the Federal Trade Commission.
- Report to Federal Student Aid (FSA):
- Contact the IRS if tax records are affected:
Contact NOVA for Help
NOVA is committed to protecting your identity and assisting with recovery.
Steps to Take with NOVA:
- File a Police Report: Provide the case number to NOVA College Police.
- Reset College Accounts: Contact the IT Help Desk to reset your login credentials and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Phone: 703.426.4141
- Toll-Free: 855.259.1019
- Notify the College:
- Email: idverify@nvcc.edu
- Include a copy of the front and back of a valid photo ID, your full name, phone number and mailing address.
- You may also report in person at any campus Financial Aid or Student Services office.