ASU investigating possible fraudulent filing of federal tax returns; encourages employees to protect financial security measures
JONESBORO — Arkansas State University today encouraged its employees to take preventative financial security measures after learning of possible fraudulent filing of federal tax returns.
The ASU Department of Finance and Administration on Monday received reports that employees who have not filed tax returns for 2012 had received letter 4464C, which relates to refunds, from the Internal Revenue Service. At least 16 employees are known to have received the letter.
"The information we have received appears to indicate that someone has fraudulently obtained personal information and used it to file tax returns," said Dr. Len Frey, ASU vice chancellor for finance. "We do not know who obtained their personally identifiable information or how."
Frey said ASU has notified the IRS and is investigating the situation. The university also sent employees information to contact the IRS directly.
"We will cooperate with authorities to determine who obtained and used the information," Frey said. "We are also reviewing all internal processes and communicating with our third-party vendors that have access to employee information."
Frey said the apparent fraudulent activity is a "very serious" matter and that the university will take whatever steps are necessary to determine what happened.
"I regret the inconvenience members of our staff are facing because of what appears to be illegal activity," Frey said. "We will continue to keep everyone informed as we get more information."
Jeff Hankins
Vice President for Strategic Communications & Economic Development
Arkansas State University System
501 Woodlane, Suite 301N
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 660-1004
