Business owners often face fraud and theft each year due to their employees. The risk of fraud has increased due to the advancement of technology and the progressive development of the world market. According to research reports, organizations face a 5% loss due to fraud each year, in which internal employees commit 85% of severe fraud cases. Organizations should develop multi-layered fraud prevention strategies while keeping these statistics in view. Practice the following plans and policies to prevent fraud and employee theft in your business.
Practice Corporate Culture
Corporate culture defines procedures and policies that govern employees. The organizational structure of reporting systems, the accountable person, their segregation of duties, job responsibilities, and limitations should be clearly defined. Hire the right employees by investigating their past employment history and educational background.
Establish an anti-fraud policy
A documented policy that defines fraud, its prevention, and detection policies should be implemented after proper training of all employees. A zero-tolerance policy for all kinds of fraud should be communicated to employees. They should also be aware of actions to be taken in case of fraud.
Prevent Theft of Physical Assets
Random and Surprise Audit System
Along with an annual and quarterly audit of assets, a system for uninformed audits should also be developed. Under the pressure of unexpected audits, employees avoid stealing and fraud.
Segregation of Duties
The duties of inventory management staff should be segregated to prevent fraud. Two different individuals should do purchase order issuance and receiving of stocks.
Security Cameras
CCTV cameras should be installed in inventory storage areas to prevent employee theft.
Limited Access to Inventory Storage Areas
Only authorized personnel should be allowed to enter areas where inventory is kept, which should be kept locked in off-hours. Keys should be issued to specified individuals only.
Prevent Check Tampering
Security of Blank Checks
Blank checks should not be accessible to anyone and should be locked until required for bookkeeping.
Check Bank Statements of the Business
A review of monthly bank statements helps in detecting fraud in the form of tampered checks.
Prevent Expense Reimbursement Schemes
Receipts of Expenses
For reimbursing expenses, demand a receipt of the amounts the employee claims.
Policy for Expense Reimbursement
A company must have a documented expense reimbursement policy. Clear segregation of reimbursable expenses should be defined in that policy, and every employee must receive a copy of the reimbursement policy.
Comparison of Expense Reports
A comparison of expense reports submitted by different employees should be made to evaluate the legality of expenses.
Prevent a Billing Scheme
List of Approved Vendors
To prevent fraud at this level, maintain a list of approved vendors and do research to ensure the legality of the vendors. You may be paying fake companies if you don’t practice this simple plan.
List of Approved Prices
An approved price list should also be maintained to avoid payment at higher rates.
Signed Receipts
Sign a check only if a signed receipt of the product is attached.
Prevent Theft of Cash
Manager’s Approval
Sensitive transactions should always be accomplished only after the approval of a manager.
Monthly Account Statements
Regular updates of customer accounts prevent fraud at this level.
Rotation of Duties
Rotating duties and sending employees on annual leaves and vacations prevent employee theft because the employee is terrified of easy detection by others.
Bank Lockers
Cash and payment handling by employees should be minimized to prevent cash theft. Payments should be received directly in a company bank account.
Surprise Audit of Cash
Discrepancies in cash can be detected easily by counting the cash and comparing it with receipts.
Video Cameras
Install video cameras in sensitive areas where cash is handled to prevent stealing.
Conclusion
Fraud prevention is critical to secure your business. Following the above plans and policies in an organized manner will prevent employee theft.
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