The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that employee theft of cash, property, and merchandise may cost American businesses as much as $50 billion per year. It occurs every day in all types of businesses and in a variety of ways, and it is estimated that up to 75 percent of all employee theft goes unnoticed. Theft crimes are committed by lower end to well-paid employees, new or trusted employees, and new to senior personnel. During difficult economic times, theft typically increases due to lack of salary increases, threats of downsizing and personal financial problems. Studies show that during bad economic cycles divorce rates and bankruptcy filings increase, so your employees may face these pressures as well. Add to those problems increased debt load from a child in college, drug or alcohol addictions and strained personal relationships, and it is easy to see why so many employees can be tempted to steal.
Employee theft can take many forms, from stealing items of relatively small face value to embezzlement, fraud and theft of information. When such costly crimes are detected, litigation may be necessary for recovery of losses. The trained fraud examination specialists in Arxis Financial’s “Forensic Accounting” practice work with attorneys to evaluate evidence and provide expert testimony.
Our investigators assist in determining the extent of monetary loss or damages and to determine who committed the theft. Arxis Financial utilizes various investigative and analytical procedures to support criminal or civil actions against an individual(s), form a basis for termination of a dishonest employee, and provide evidence for insurance claims.