Things NOT to do if you suspect embezzlement in your office
Home > Media > Embezzlement Blog > Things NOT to do if you suspect embezzlement in your officeWhat You'll Learn
- A checklist of six specific tip-off behaviors to avoid the moment you suspect embezzlement, from suddenly requesting reports you've never asked for before to letting 'geeky looking people with briefcases' (auditors) visit the office in plain sight.
- Why seemingly cautious moves like adding new security features to your practice software or spending long stretches on private calls with your CPA can alert a thief and trigger evidence destruction.
- The core warning from Prosperident CEO and forensic CPA David Harris, CFE, CFF, FIADFE, that an embezzler is constantly watching for signs they're about to get caught and will shift into self-preservation mode the moment they notice.
- Why posting embezzlement warning articles on the staff room bulletin board backfires, and the case for quietly bringing in professional investigators before changing any routines.
What You'll Learn
- A checklist of six specific tip-off behaviors to avoid the moment you suspect embezzlement, from suddenly requesting reports you've never asked for before to letting 'geeky looking people with briefcases' (auditors) visit the office in plain sight.
- Why seemingly cautious moves like adding new security features to your practice software or spending long stretches on private calls with your CPA can alert a thief and trigger evidence destruction.
- The core warning from Prosperident CEO and forensic CPA David Harris, CFE, CFF, FIADFE, that an embezzler is constantly watching for signs they're about to get caught and will shift into self-preservation mode the moment they notice.
- Why posting embezzlement warning articles on the staff room bulletin board backfires, and the case for quietly bringing in professional investigators before changing any routines.
Things NOT to do if you suspect embezzlement in your office
Spend lots of time in your private office on the phone with your CPA
Start asking unusual questions of staff
-
Ask for reports you haven’t requested before
-
Allow a couple of geeky looking people with briefcases to come to your office to look at stuff
-
Implement additional security features in your software
-
Start posting articles about embezzlement in other offices on your staff room bulletin board
-
Run around flapping your wings like a chicken
If someone is embezzling from you, they are constantly looking for signs that they are about to get caught. When a thief observes these signs, their thoughts turn to self-preservation, which includes things like destroying evidence. “Evidence” for this purpose usually includes your practice’s financial and clinical records.
Unfortunately, many dentists have learned the hard way about the dangers resulting from alerting a suspect prematurely.
Have questions about your practice? Click the button below
Don't Let a Misstep Cost You Your Case.
The steps you avoid are just as important as the steps you take. Prosperident's investigators will guide you through the right process so the evidence holds up and the embezzler is held accountable.
Concerned about embezzlement in your practice?
Prosperident is dentistry’s embezzlement expert. Talk to us confidentially — there’s no obligation.
Start asking unusual questions of staff
-
Ask for reports you haven’t requested before
-
Spend lots of time in your private office on the phone with your CPA
-
Allow a couple of geeky looking people with briefcases to come to your office to look at stuff
-
Implement additional security features in your software
-
Start posting articles about embezzlement in other offices on your staff room bulletin board
-
Run around flapping your wings like a chicken
If someone is embezzling from you, they are constantly looking for signs that they are about to get caught. When a thief observes these signs, their thoughts turn to self-preservation, which includes things like destroying evidence. “Evidence” for this purpose usually includes your practice’s financial and clinical records.
Unfortunately, many dentists have learned the hard way about the dangers resulting from alerting a suspect prematurely.
Have questions about your practice? Click the button below
Don't Let a Misstep Cost You Your Case.
The steps you avoid are just as important as the steps you take. Prosperident's investigators will guide you through the right process so the evidence holds up and the embezzler is held accountable.
About the author
David Harris
Forensic CPA, CFE, CFF, FIADFE — Chief Executive Officer, Prosperident
David Harris is the Chief Executive Officer of Prosperident, the world's largest dental embezzlement investigation firm. A Forensic CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified in Financial Forensics, he has led investigations into financial crime in dental practices since 1989 and speaks regularly to dental audiences across North America on detecting and preventing embezzlement.
Book a consultation with David ›