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:

  • Fake vendors: Someone adds “XYZ Supplies LLC” and invoices you. Spoiler: they don’t exist.

  • Skimming: Cash never hits the register, but your employee’s new shoes are fabulous.

  • Expense reimbursement fraud: That “business lunch” was actually a solo sushi binge.

How to fight back like an accounting ninja:

  • Use accounting software with access controls

  • Reconcile bank statements monthly (yes, every month)

  • 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.