Police investigating email phishing campaign aimed at stealing UWM students' refunds

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Police are investigating an email phishing campaign which has been targeting UWM students and aimed at stealing their refunds.

The attack is similar to ones that have been happening nationwide.

A UWM vendor discovered unauthorized individuals had accessed accounts in its system on January 16.

The vendor, TouchNet, processes electronic student payment transactions, including those related to financial aid. UWM immediately suspended any electronic processing of refunds and began a thorough investigation, with TouchNet’s cooperation.

The investigation determined the unauthorized individuals obtained login information for 104 students via a phishing attack in which the students were sent an email prompting them to provide their account information.

There was only one instance in which funds were actually diverted and a student did not receive an electronic refund.

UWM police are investigating the incident, and affected students have been contacted.

About 2,000 UWM students set up TouchNet accounts when the service was introduced late last year. Electronic refunds will remain suspended while we determine additional security safeguards. Students will be receiving their refunds by check.

This incident is a reminder of the importance of IT security. 

Stay with CBS 58 News for more information on this developing story. 

Share this article: