MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police have reported at least four cases fraud and extortion since the start of the fall semester last week.
Police issued a campus community notice Monday.
WVU Police Sherry St. Clair said also under investigation are several “sextortion” complaints, where students are ordered to meet monetary demands or the suspect will distribute private or sensitive material.
“We’ve had several calls that have come in over the last week of people being victims of fraud or extortion for pictures they’ve sent across the internet that they don’t want to get out,” St. Clair said.
“Sextortion” cases can begin when personal or sensitive images are sent to someone as part of developing a relationship. When the suspect demands money in exchange for not sharing the material the student learn of the scam.
“Anytime you’re talking to someone on…
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MANAGEMENT & CULTURE (THE “TONE AT THE TOP”)
Fraud thrives in “sloppy” environments where leadership ignores the rules.
- The Fraud Triangle: For fraud to occur, three elements must be present: Pressure (the need for money), Rationalization (thinking “I deserve this”), and Opportunity (weak controls). You can only control the Opportunity.
- Whistleblower Hotline: Provide an anonymous way for staff to report “odd behavior.” Most internal frauds are caught via tips, not audits.
- Background Checks: Conduct credit and criminal record checks for all employees in financial or data-sensitive roles.
- Annual Ethics Training: Make sure every staff member knows that the company has a Zero Tolerance policy toward “borrowing” from petty cash or fudging overtime.