Unfortunately over the last week I have heard about 2 former clients who have suffered losses at the hands of dishonest team members. Significant losses. Both successful business owners, same result. Wow. I immediately wanted to blame the economy or remote working but in truth, internal fraud has been going on for as long as businesses have had team members.
Devastating. NOT only professionally devastating in the loss of cash and then the legal battles to follow but the emotional toll this situation takes. How personally devastating to know that people we trust can make this choice. Why do they do it? So many theories but at the end of the day, we as business owners need to do the best that we can to safeguard ourselves and our businesses from team members who choose to steal. Its a nasty word but I dont want to sugar coat it. They take our money. They find the most interesting ways and it always amazes me. If these people just used their creative thinking for more honorable tasks, the bar would be raised!
Prevention? Yes, maybe. Keep your eyes and ears open. Have team members switch roles, take vacations. Do not remove yourself completely from the financial management of your business. Ask questions.