Steps to Deter or Detect Business Fraud
pxhere
Do you know how susceptible your business is to fraud? Unfortunately, fraud is alive and well. More than one organization has gone out of business due to fraud. However, there are ways to deter fraud, and ways to detect fraud.
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) does a survey about every two years. The information provides insight into how and why fraud is committed, as well as ways to prevent and detect fraud. I recommend reviewing the 2020 Report to the Nations (published by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) Not surprisingly, fraud caught sooner costs less money than fraud detected years later. More of the frauds were perpetrated by employees with one to five years of employment, but the largest amounts stolen were by those employed more than ten years. The top three control weaknesses that contribute to fraud are lack of internal controls, lack of management review, and override of existing internal controls.
Businesses are most vulnerable to asset misappropriation (theft or misuse of a company’s assets) and to corruption (bribery, kickbacks, and conflicts of interest). Businesses can reduce or avoid losses by recognizing the common warning signs of these types of fraud early. Common warning signs are rising expenses and/or declining revenue, abnormally high inventory shrinkage, unfamiliar vendors, lack of timely bank reconciliations, and delayed monthly financial reporting.
Current Issue
January 2026
Deterrents and Detection Methods
Businesses can protect themselves by deterring fraud to the extent possible, and by detecting fraud as soon as possible. Some deterrents and detection methods include:
- Do background checks before hiring.
- Have a code of ethics that includes honesty.
- Have internal controls. Some examples are:
- One employee should not be able to do all of these tasks: keep the books, collect funds, write checks, and reconcile the bank statement.
- Someone aside from the bookkeeper receives the bank statement unopened and reviews the statement and cancelled checks for unfamiliar payees, declining deposits, and unusual transactions.
- Restrict bank account access, check stock, and online access.
- Conduct or review bank statement reconciliations. Look for unusual items and items that remain on the reconciliation for long periods.
- Adequately secure inventory and supplies.
- Review backup documentation before approving or signing checks.
- Have a way for employees and customers to report suspicions anonymously.
- Perform periodic inventory observations and asset verifications.
- Watch for behavioral warning signs from employees such as living beyond their means, unusually close association with a particular vendor or customer, and unwillingness to share duties.
- Understand and verify the financial information reported to you. This can be as simple as understanding and reviewing the key indicators for your business.
- Do not rely on “trust”. “Trust” is not an internal control. By “trusting”, you are not protecting the employee or the business. Instead, “trust” gives employees the opportunity to commit fraud.
Take steps to protect your business and your employees from fraud. It could save you money and many hours of frustration. It could also save your business.
Legal Speak is sponsored content provided by
907 Sweet Treats Selling Honey via Vending Machine
The Midtown Mall in Anchorage is home to a new vending machine packed with honey, tea, and candles sold by 907 Sweet Treats.
New Faces Running Bushes Bunches Family Farm and Produce Stand
Finding the sweet spot: Zach and Karianne Smith bring new energy, ideas to longtime Palmer farm and year-round produce stand Bushes Bunches.
Better Business Bureau: How Businesses Compete on Trust, not Price
The real differentiator in a turbulent economy isn’t who’s cheapest, it’s who’s most trusted. How do businesses earn this priceless asset?
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!