Fraud rarely starts with a headline-making theft. More often, it begins with a small exception that gets ignored, a workaround that becomes normal, or a concern that an employee keeps to themselves because speaking up feels risky. That hesitation can be costly. Employees often see the first signs of trouble long before auditors, managers, or finance teams do. They notice unusual vendor behavior, pressure to approve incomplete records, inventory that does not match paperwork,

We all want to trust the people who work with us and for us. But, we also recognize a certain level of due diligence is required to protect our businesses. So, we pay services to run employee background checks before we hire a candidate. If someone has a criminal history most employers at least want to be aware before that person is on-boarded. That should be enough right? The problem is over 80% of fraud perpetrators have no criminal history at all (ACFE Occupational Fraud 2

An organization's attitude about and approach to fraud starts at the top. Having a clearly written stance against fraud that outlines of the consequences for fraudulent actions as part of your employee handbook shows everyone in the organization that fraud is taken seriously. Benefits of Having a Written Policy Against Fraud 1. Clear Expectations A written policy establishes clear expectations regarding acceptable behavior and practices within an organization. Employees under

What is a Retainer Agreement? A retainer agreement is a contract between a client and a service provider, commonly used in fields like legal, consulting, or creative services. This contract outlines the relationship's terms, including the scope of work, payment structure, and duration. Clients pay a retainer fee upfront to ensure the service provider's availability and commitment to deliver services as required. How Does a Retainer Agreement Work? The payment structure typi

Small businesses face many challenges, but fraud remains one of the most damaging threats. Fraud can drain resources, damage reputations, and even lead to business closure. Understanding the common fraud schemes that target small businesses is essential for owners and managers who want to protect their companies. Two of the most frequent types of fraud are employee asset misappropriation and financial statement fraud. These schemes often go unnoticed until significant damage

Fraud can strike any business, regardless of size or industry. The financial losses, damaged reputation, and operational disruptions caused by fraud can be devastating. A fraud risk assessment offers a clear path to identifying vulnerabilities before they become costly problems. This post explains how your business can benefit from a fraud risk assessment and why it is a smart investment for long-term success. What Is a Fraud Risk Assessment? A fraud risk assessment is a syst

Fraud is a pervasive issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and organizations alike. As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by fraudsters, making it essential for investigators to stay ahead of the curve. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for successful fraud investigations, providing practical insights and examples to guide you through the process. Understanding the Landscape of Fraud Before diving into specific strategies, it