Explanation of Fraud

There are difficult situations where students and/or parents purposefully misrepresent information in hopes of obtaining additional assistance. The Financial Aid Coordinator is required to have a policy of referral when confronted with actual or suspected cases of fraud and abuse.

Policy for Fraud

Students and parents who willfully submit fraudulent information will be investigated to the furthest extent possible. All cases of fraud and abuse will be reported to the proper authorities.

Procedures for Fraud

If, in the Financial Aid Coordinator's judgment, there has been intentional misrepresentation, false statements or alteration of documents which have resulted in the awarding or disbursement of funds for which the student is not eligible, the Financial Aid Coordinator will notify the student and schedule an appointment to discuss the situation with the student. If the student does not make an appointment, the Financial Aid Coordinator may

• Not process a financial aid application until the situation is resolved satisfactorily

• Not award financial aid

• Cancel financial aid

• Determine that financial aid will not be processed for future years

Fraudulent situations will be forwarded to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Education, at 755-2270 or 1-800-MIS-USED.

Help Prevent Financial Aid and Scholarship Fraud

On November 5, 2000, Congress passed the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000 (CSFPA). The CSFPA enhances protection against fraud in student financial assistance by establishing stricter sentencing guidelines for criminal financial aid fraud. It also charged the US Department of Education, working in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission, with implementing national awareness activities, including a scholarship fraud awareness site on the US Department of Education website. To file a complaint, or for free information, students or parents should call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or visit www.ftc.gov/scholarsnipscams.