GVSU PD: Fake emails crime, 'not prank'

ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD) - Emails have been circulating at Grand Valley State University that appear to be from faculty and administrators but actually are not.

Grand Valley Police Department Assistant Director Brandon DeHaan said in a Thursday statement that the fake emails are not a prank.

"We are treating this as a criminal matter and we're asking those responsible to stop the behavior and turn themselves in," he said in the statement.

He said search warrants have been issued to track the source of the "email misrepresentation" and hold them accountable.

The emails come from a Gmail account and are represented as being from GVSU faculty or staff, according to GVPD. Students and staff alike have received the emails.

DeHaan recommended double-checking the addresses and content on any email that seems suspicious. He reminded that legitimate class cancelations and campus closures will be sent via GVSU's emergency notification system and posted both on the university's website and official social media sites.

Anyone with information is asked to contact GVPD at 616.331.3255.