Spotting Financial Fraud
Before It Wears a Mustache and Disappears
Financial fraud doesn’t always wear a black ski mask. Sometimes it wears khakis and refills the coffee. Whether it’s internal theft or external scams, fraud costs businesses billions. But with a few controls, you can lock your books down tighter than grandma’s cookie jar.
Common types of fraud:
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Fake vendors: Someone adds “XYZ Supplies LLC” and invoices you. Spoiler: they don’t exist.
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Skimming: Cash never hits the register, but your employee’s new shoes are fabulous.
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Expense reimbursement fraud: That “business lunch” was actually a solo sushi binge.
How to fight back like an accounting ninja:
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Use accounting software with access controls
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Reconcile bank statements monthly (yes, every month)
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Conduct surprise audits (they’re more fun than they sound)
Also, trust but verify. Your team might be great—but even great people make mistakes or bad choices.
✅ Funny Tip: If your bookkeeper suddenly buys a yacht, it’s time to check your petty cash drawer.