Fraud Trends Examiner is a newsletter from The Whitaker Group, LLC. We hope you find it to be both informative and beneficial.You have received this newsletter because of our past business relationship, introduction, meeting, or as the result of a training event association.
We will be sending future issues periodically that will cover fraud trends and prevention techniques, security consulting issues, as well as various business management related topics and tips.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to any other colleague that you think may benefit from it.
Often referred to as "diploma mills" or "degree mills", on-line fraudulently established "accredited schools and universities" are pumping out certificates and degrees at an alarming rate. This is a huge and rapidly expanding problem not only in the U.S., but abroad as well. Companies are scrambling and competing to find and retain qualified personnel, so these mills are doing a booming business. The problem is of course that the personnel often hired with these exaggerated or completely non-existent degrees are flooding the workplace. Not only are they unqualified for the positions they may be hired to fill, they may pose a serious risk for the employer depending upon the sensitivity and responsibility associated with the position they are placed in. Publishing software and intricate low cost printers have made it easy for the counterfeiter of degrees to forge authentic looking transcripts, seals and university stationary.
We suggest putting in place a stringent procedure for determining the authenticity of degrees before the person is extended a job offer. Many companies think they already have that in place and feel fairly secure in their vetting process. However, the rising instances of discovery of employees and executives that have falsified or exaggerated their formal education suggests otherwise. When do these revelations usually come to light? You guessed it, after something bad has already happened and the company is already at risk or has been "taken".
Security Tip of the Month
Fire Hazards Still A Concern for Businesses
We've come a long way in preventing fires in the workplace and at residential sites.Unfortunately however, statistics from the National Fire Protection Institute (NFPA) state that a fire occurs roughly every 60 seconds in a building in the United States. Fortunately, fire sprinkler systems help reduce the damage and loss of life.
The harsh reality in some cases however is that some older structures don't have adequate (if any) sprinkler systems because they were "grandfathered" from post sprinkling requirements. This places tenants, employees and visitors at risk, often unknowingly for those affected. Of course potential loss of life is of the utmost concern, as well it should be. Another concern of paramount importance is the potential for a fire to completely destroy a business and all business records and assets contained therein. We would like to think that most small to medium sized business have business continuity plans, but we know that is simply not the case. Our recommendation is that whether you are a building owner, tenant or frequent visitor to a building you are not sure is properly protected - find out. If it isn't, demand the owners rectify the situation. After all, the life or business you save may be yours. There is no better incentive than that.
If you require assistance with implementing a business continuity plan in the event of a man-made or natural disaster, contact a security professional versed in that process.
Many small to medium sized business often mistakenly believe they can't afford to implement such a plan. I believe just the opposite - they are the ones that can least afford not to. Larger companies often have multiple sites, large cash reserves, and adequate insurance coverage. Our experience has shown that smaller companies may only have one or two sites, minimal cash reserves, and more often than not inadequate insurance coverage. All too often an unanticipated disaster shuts them down and they either cease to conduct business or take a very long time to recover. Neither prospect is particularly appealing.
Audit and Policy Review Services
The Whitaker Group, LLC offers a comprehensive review of existing policies, procedures, and protocols for any size or type of business. We specialize in auditing your existing or proposed infrastructure for SIU Operations; existing security and/or corporate security operation either propietary or contracted; security and facilities management concepts and strategies; cash handling, accounts receivable/payable, and vendor interaction procedures; as well as a complete policy review regarding employee safety and workplace violence and harassment related issues.
Many companies rely on security vulnerability assessments that were conducted years ago, if at all. In today's rapidly changing workplace environment, the potential risks can be greater than ever before. We will assist your personnel in identifying those potential risks and help develop strategies to mitigate them more effectively. We can assist your staff with understanding the potential risk vs. effectiveness of conducting your own internal investigations. As a result, your staff will develop more effective solutions to avoid many of those inherent risks and still arrive at an acceptable resolution to the conflict.
"Don't ever make misrepresentations to anyone you deal with. If you believe the other person may have misunderstood you, correct any misunderstanding you find exists. Honesty is integral to ethical behavior, and trustworthiness is essential for good, lasting relationships.
- Buck Rogers -
Our firm is dedicated to fighting fraud and providing contemporary security management expertise and investigation solutions for any size business. To learn more about our firm and the services we provide, just click on our website link under Quick Links on the right side of this page.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read this newsletter. I sincerely hope it has served as an informative resource and has provided valuable information you can use. We welcome any suggestions or ideas for future articles or other information sharing ideas. Anything that benefits you, your clients or colleagues, either directly or indirectly, is well worth the effort put forth to disseminate it.
Sincerely,
James E. Whitaker, CFE, CPP
The Whitaker Group, LLC Phone (888) 248-6080 Secure Fax (330) 264-1010
