Fraud is seldom witnessed at firsthand. It's a crime that is often shrouded in ambiguity, and it's sometimes difficult even to determine whether or not a crime has actually been committed. Only the symptoms of fraud exist to alert management of wrongdoing. 

Unfortunately, many such fraud symptoms go unnoticed; and, in some cases, signals that are recognised are not vigorously pursued. All businesses must learn to recognise employee fraud indicators and discover whether the symptoms are the result of actual fraud or if they represent other factors.

Most indications of employee fraud fall into one of six categories:

	Accounting anomalies
	Internal control symptoms
	Analytical anomalies
	Lifestyle symptoms
	Behavioural symptoms
	Tips and complaints.

Fraud occurs when pressure, opportunity, and rationalisation come together. Most people have pressures. Everyone rationalises. When internal controls are absent or overridden, everyone also has an opportunity to commit fraud.

Detecting fraud is a matter of acknowledging:

	That fraud exists
	That any organisation can become either a victim of fraud or a perpetrator of fraud
	That certain weaknesses in internal controls and human character can be conducive to fraud
	That certain tests of internal controls and tests of the organisation's motivational environment can provide some insight on the possibility of fraud in that environment

Companies make the mistake of not actively searching for fraud. They tend to trust their employees and trust the procedures in place to safeguard company assets. It may be good business to trust employees and empower them to make real contributions to the growth of the company. However, it is not wise to turn a blind eye to signs that a trusted employee may be stealing.

Never underestimate the effects of fraud - a number of high profile businesses have been forced into liquidation through the criminal acts of employees - act now and contact us for advice.

Our Principal Consultant is an Associate of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and is an acknowledged expert in fraud detection and prevention methods. He can also provide expert advice on fraud investigations and can facilitate methods of detection and prevention to assist your business.

For more information on the fraud prevention, detection and investigation services that we offer please click here.