The WMU-AAUP chapter has received reports from several faculty members that they have been victims of identity theft involving their income tax filing with the IRS. While this is not a contractual issue, it is a matter of grave concern for those affected, which include members of our bargaining unit.
At this point, we don’t know how many faculty members (or other WMU employees) have been affected. However, we have learned the following:
- The IRS has opened a “focused investigation” into the reported instances of identity theft involving WMU employees. To conduct this investigation, the IRS has access to information that is not accessible to WMU, including the IP addresses from which the fraudulent tax returns were filed electronically and the bank accounts or addresses to which any refunds were sent.
- If you have been the victim of income tax identity theft, you should inform the WMU administration so that your case can be included in the IRS investigation. To make a report, faculty members (and other WMU employees) should contact Vice Provost Jim Gilchrist by calling 387-2382 or emailing james.gilchrist@wmich.edu.
For more information about identity theft involving federal income tax returns, or to report incidents directly to the IRS, please visit the WMU tax fraud information page, linked here.
Note: WMU will not forward your name to the IRS without your statement and consent, so if you want the university administration to take action on your behalf, you will need to report your incident to Vice Provost Gilchrist.
As always, we are here to assist faculty with questions or concerns. Call us at 345-0151 or email staff@wmuaaup.net.
News and information about IRS identity theft and efforts to protect taxpayers:
WMU-AAUP Blog 