Discovering fraud or theft in your organization can be alarming. Knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in resolving the issue effectively. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the process.
Discovery
The first indication of fraud or theft often comes from unusual activity or discrepancies, like a call from a creditor about unpaid bills that you believe were settled. When this happens, secure all evidence to prevent tampering. Think of this as the starting point for an investigation—it might only be a small part of the bigger picture.
Investigation
An investigation is crucial, whether it’s internal or involves external experts. Focus on these key steps:
- Identify: Gather information about the events leading up to the discovery.
- Verify: Determine whether the incident is due to error or deliberate fraud.
- Ask Questions: What needs to be investigated? How did the incident occur? Who are the likely suspects? What will be the outcome of the investigation?
Securing Evidence
Collect as much relevant evidence as possible. This can include:
- Documents (emails, invoices, contracts)
- Physical evidence (hardware, storage areas, workplace)
- Testimonies (witness accounts, admissions, confessions)
Ensure all evidence is properly secured and related to the incident. Be cautious with changes to financial information, like banking details. Always confirm with known contacts and follow up with official communication to avoid falling victim to sophisticated scams.
Communicate with Your Team
Encourage staff to cooperate with the investigation. Be transparent about the situation and ask them to be honest and forthcoming with any information that might help. This openness can prevent further loss and aid in the investigation.
Need Help?
If the situation feels overwhelming, consider consulting with Uphando, we specialize in fraud and theft investigations. We can guide you through the process and help protect your organization from further harm.