Fake emails not considered a prank

The Grand Valley Police Department is investigating a series of fake emails sent to Grand Valley students and faculty. Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of the GVPD, said those responsible for sending the emails are using a Gmail account and representing themselves as faculty or administrators of the university.

DeHaan said this is not a prank but a criminal matter and is urging the campus community to double check email addresses and the message itself, if a communication seems suspicious. “We are treating this as a criminal matter and we’re asking those responsible to stop the behavior and turn themselves in,” he said.

DeHaan said search warrants have been issued to find out who is responsible for the “email misrepresentation.” He said the campus community needs to know that any official notification of class cancellations or university closure will be sent through Grand Valley’s official emergency notification system and will appear on the university’s home page and official social media outlets.

Anyone with information should contact Grand Valley’s Police Department at (616) 331-3255.