What is fraud, and why should Metropolitan State University of Denver employees care? 

In the financial and accounting world, fraud is intentional manipulation of money, expenses, financial data or tax returns for personal or corporate gain. In higher education, fraud takes money and resources from students and programs.  

Preventing fraud is a Universitywide effort, and each Roadrunner needs to do their part. The MSU Denver Office of the Controller helps educate departments and champion an atmosphere of fraud prevention to help protect the University’s funds, assets and reputation. 

Examples of possible fraud may include (but are not limited to):

  • Making personal purchases with University money or resources. 
  • Borrowing money from the petty-cash box. 
  • Submitting invalid expense reports for additional reimbursements. 
  • Making personal purchases from University accounts to personally benefit from tax exemptions or price discounts. 
  • Misappropriating University assets for personal gain. 
  • Misreporting time on your time sheet or approving time for others that doesn’t represent time worked. 
  • Using University paid parking passes for personal use. 
  • Using University dollars for personal travel. 
  • Approving purchases that don’t represent goods or services received by the University. 
  • Underreporting expenses to meet budget limitations. 

How can you help prevent fraud?  

  • Keep cash, gift cards and parking passes in a locked box, behind a locked door. 
  • Pay attention when reviewing and approving transactions – validate the business purpose and dollar amount and ensure that goods and services were received as intended.
  • Never share your credit card or PIN with anyone in any form. 
  • Always transfer a department card in person. 
  • If your University credit card is compromised, it should be shut down immediately. 
  • Be actively engaged in your surroundings and report suspicious activity or suspected acts of fraud. 
  • Report missing assets to Auraria Campus police immediately. 

 

Ways to reach out: 

  • Contact the MSU Denver Corporate Card Team if you have questions or if your card has been compromised. [email protected] 303-615-0039 
  • If your credit card is lost or stolen: IMMEDIATELY report it to Wells Fargo Customer Service at 1-800-932-0036. 
  • If you suspect fraudulent activity on your credit card: IMMEDIATELY report it to the Wells Fargo Fraud Hotline: 1-800-AT-WELLS (1-800-289-3557). 
  • Auraria Campus police  

Administration Building | 1201 5th St., Suite 110
Campus Box E, P.O. Box 173361
Denver, CO 80217 

  • Main number – Emergency Dispatch
    303-556-5000 
  • Text-a-Tip
    720-593-TIPS (8477) 
  • Campus Information Hotline
    1-877-556-EMER (3637) 
  • For information or to report possible fraud, visit the Fraud Hotline link at https://www.msudenver.edu/controller/fraud-hotline/.