In recent weeks, we’ve learned about multiple companies in the Portland area that have confronted some kind of embezzlement in their business. Embezzlement certainly isn’t unique to the type of software we sell and support – it can happen anywhere at any time.

Years ago, I was asked to testify to a Grand Jury about embezzlement at a public utility company. “How could that happen?” was the biggest question jurors wanted an answer to. Without explaining to you everything I explained to them, let me just assure you that it can and does happen. So, rather than telling you how to embezzle, this article seeks to provide information that might help prevent embezzlement.

Employee theft and fraud are alarmingly on the rise, and they are among the most serious threats to the success of businesses today.

The Global Fraud Study released by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners determined that businesses can lose an average of 5% of their revenue each year to fraud. Here are a few areas to be aware of that could rob your company of thousands of dollars in profits.