Function of the Corporate Fraud Investigator – Atlanta Georgia

Shrink can come from many different areas and often times it is the job of the Corporate Fraud Investigator to identify and eliminate that shrink. In the loss prevention field we are all aware of, and remain on the lookout for, internal theft and external loss coming from shoplifters. It is equally as important, however, that we maintain a watchful eye on our supply chain. Vendor fraud and office supply scams are on the rise. We need to be mindful of this and take steps in order to combat it.

The corporate fraud investigator needs to ensure that the business is aware of it’s’ rights. You are only required to pay for the goods and services that you actually purchased. In other words, if you ordered 500 pens from a particular company and when you received the order there are 500 pens and 200 notebooks. The corresponding invoice will undoubtedly charge you for those 200 notebooks. However, since you did not place an order for that item you are not required to pay for them. This is why it is important to keep organized records of all your orders to ensure that you’re not being overcharged by an unscrupulous vendor.

Additionally, you should assign one individual in your organization to handle the duties of ordering new supplies. This will prevent redundancy in your process and help you identify most scams and attempted fraud much easier. Be aware that mistakes do happen in all aspects of business. If the discrepancy appears as a result of a simple oversight you should do your best to correct the mistake as quickly as possible. However, if the discrepancies are repeated and no resolution reached it is time for the corporate fraud investigator to step in to resolve the matter by whatever means are necessary.

For more information contact us at Corporate Fraud Investigator or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Stop the family of shoplifters with clothing security

I wonder if shoplifting is possibly an inherited behavior, or learned?  The employees I supervise that apprehend shoplifters recently apprehended a lady that was stealing $180 worth of clothing and other merchandise.  She concealed it all easily in her purse, and later moved it to one of our sacks after purchasing a couple items at a register.  She then grabbed a few more items before casually exiting the store.

While she was being interviewed, she told us that we had also apprehended her daughter.  Sure enough, six months prior her 19 year old daughter had been caught doing the same thing.

Business owners sometimes hide their head in the sand instead of facing the reality that shoplifting is a serious problem.  Businesses that sell clothing have to be particularly in tune to managing their loss due to shoplifting.  Clothing is high theft and easy to steal.  Clothing security is a viable option for those businesses interested in protecting themselves from mothers and daughters like these.

Security tags on clothes are a visible deterrent to the potential shoplifter.  Customers can still easily try on clothes and shop your clothing racks as they can without clothing security tags.  The security tags on clothes simply offer a reminder that the customer should not even consider shoplifting that item.  Having clothing security says that the business is serious about loss prevention and protection of its assets.

It is sad, but a fact, that some people consider a family outing as going out to shoplift from businesses like yours.  If you sell clothing, invest in clothing security.  Convince the shoplifters to travel elsewhere so you are no longer their victim.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for more information on clothing security tags

For more information about clothing security or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547.

The Role of the Loss Prevention Agent – Atlanta Georgia

One of the most important roles of the loss prevention agent is his/ her ability to identify a shoplifter and subsequently apprehend that individual. Now, this sounds a lot easier than it actually is. Shoplifters generally fit into one of two categories: professional and amateur. For the professional shoplifter thievery is a business and because this is how they make their living they are subject to lash out or become violent when confronted. For the amateur, shoplifting is simply a crime of opportunity. They may be slightly easier to spot, but both can potentially lead to the demise of your business if you don’t take the proper steps to stop them.

Unfortunately there is no “average shoplifter”. They come in all shapes, sizes, ages, races and from any number of different backgrounds. That’s why it is essential that the loss prevention agent know what to look for when trying to identify them. If an individual spends most of their time watching the cashier, sales associates and other customers rather than actually shopping, that’s a good sign that they may be up to no good. Baggy clothes or large jacket or coats when they’re not called for is another red flag you should be watching for.

Remember: you don’t have to be a loss prevention agent to know that cameras aren’t allowed in restroom and fitting rooms. They shoplifters are well aware of this fact, so you need to keep a watchful eye on these areas. You may see an individual go into the fitting room with 4 items and come out with only 2, or they may enter the restroom with merchandise and come out with nothing in their hands. You still need to perform your due diligence and ensure that the merchandise wasn’t left in the room, but this is a good place for the loss prevention agent to begin his investigation.

For more information contact us at Loss Prevention Agent or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Make shoplifters go elsewhere with clothing security

We recently dealt with a shoplifter that stole a bunch of merchandise, including clothing.  She decided, after already providing her identification and returning the stolen merchandise that she was not going to wait for the police.  So she ran from the loss prevention office, out into the parking lot, and hid under a semi truck parked there.  She waited patiently then until police arrived.

While this behavior was strange, it all worked out in the end.  The clothing was returned, and the shoplifter went to jail.  While this behavior after being apprehended might not be common when all shoplifters are caught, the fact that she was stealing clothing was very common.  With clothing security tags, however, this type of theft can be prevented.

Security tags on clothes act as a visual deterrent to the potential shoplifter.  A clothing alarm makes a statement that you take the security of your merchandise seriously, and that a shoplifter should not try to challenge your proactive approach to loss prevention.

Clothing without clothing security is asking to be stolen, but your business does not have to be a victim to these types of thefts.  It is extremely frustrating to realize the extent of loss due to theft.  With security tags on clothes you have an outlet to funnel that frustration into protective measures.

Whether they hide under a semi or jump into a Lexus with the clothing that you sell, that they just shoplifted, you can stop these shoplifters in their tracks with security tags on clothes.  Clothing security tags are up for the challenge and ready to get to work for you.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to see our products for your clothing alarm and clothing security program.

For more information about clothing alarm or clothing security or clothing security tags or contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547.

Employee Theft Strikes Close to Home

A recent article from the Plasticsnews.com website highlighted an unusual case of employee theft.

It seem the 78 year old husband of a 75 year old business owner submitted an expense report for $12,474 (hand written of course) annotated “Golf Weekend”.  The husband, executive vice president of the company, had only attached receipts totaling around $700, according to the company treasurer, who apparently isn’t related.  When asked about the discrepancy, he replied that he added wrong.  Then he claimed someone had altered the claim, but a police handwriting analysis disproved that claim.

When employee theft was suspected, the auditors went to work and uncovered “questionable claims” back to 2003 totaling almost $70,000 including a $1500 tip and $11,000 in golf clubs and related expenses.

The owner said that when she questioned him about it, he quit and they haven’t spoken since.

The employees in accounts payable of the 700-employee company said they didn’t think they had the authority to question the claims because he was the owner’s husband.

All this goes to prove a point.  There is never any employee who is above reproach in any company.  Sometimes – usually actually – employers tend to overlook certain employees as suspect because “she’s our most trusted employee.”  When you think about it who has more opportunity to commit internal theft than someone who doesn’t feel as though he will be suspected and who knows the company’s procedures and vulnerabilities backward and forward?

When in doubt, smart business owners bring in a disinterested third party such as a qualified loss prevention investigator to take an unbiased look at the operation, ask the right questions of the right people and get to the bottom of any employee theft.

Have questions about employee theft?  Click here for information or call 770-426-0547 to speak with an expert.

Decision-Making to Prevent Shoplifting in Atlanta Georgia

A retail business owner is in the best position to make decisions on ways to prevent shoplifting.  Of course the decision should not be made without a complete analysis of the factors that contribute to the shortage problem and gaining all the information he can possibly obtain.  This is a decision that should not be made only by intuition.

The problem may become obvious.  Management may receive reports from customers or employees that have witnessed others shoplifting.  Merchandise mysteriously disappears from its place of display.  There are any number of signs that may indicate a shoplifting problem, the most serious being inventory loss that translates into lost profits.

One of the most effective ways to prevent shoplifting comes from Checkpoint Security Systems.  The use of antennas from Checkpoint Systems, along with Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels will not only alert store staff when an item that has not been paid for is leaving the store, but will deter all but the most determined shoplifter from attempting to shoplift from the store.

Antennas from Checkpoint Security Systems will detect protected merchandise of all kinds.  There are Checkpoint tags designed to protect everything from eyewear to shoes to golf clubs.  Checkpoint labels are used to safeguard groceries, boxes, packages, and certain types of clothing.   Almost any type of high theft merchandise can be protected from shoplifters by a label or tag from Checkpoint Security Systems.

Regardless of the size of the retail business, a Checkpoint Security System will prove to be cost effective because the profit from selling the merchandise that would have otherwise been shoplifted will quickly recover the cost of the system.

Click here to get information on a program to prevent shoplifting or call 770-426-0547 in Atlanta Georgia.  Click here to visit our Retail Loss Prevention Online Store. 

Security includes security tags on clothes

Security tags on clothes are an important part of the retail world. In a tough economy, shoplifting increases and so does the need for clothing security.

Clothing security has always been somewhat of a strategy used by many retail loss prevention and operations departments. Providing the necessary clothing security tools was another challenge. Many times, retailers failed to execute the necessary methods to ensure clothing security tags in their business remained effective. Today, the retailer is faced with the challenge of a lagging economy. Sales for many are not easy to come by. Protecting their assets has never been more important.

Security tags on clothes can seem like another item to worry about in the store. In reality, the focus of the management should be on clothing security tags and ensuring all necessary departments are outfitted with security tags on clothes.

Just the other day, I was visiting a store. The manager told me about the small clothing business next store frantically trying to recover merchandise from a shoplifter, with little luck. Apparently, the clothing store manager had witnessed a couple of thieves stuffing apparel into bags. After about 30 minutes, the thieves made their way to the front of the store where they exited. The manager followed. The thieves ran, and the manager gave chase, leaving his store unsupervised and putting himself in a dangerous situation.

This manager left his store to chase after a couple that had just demonstrated criminal activity. Earlier in the year, he refused to put security tags on clothes and felt that his store needed no clothing security. Upon his returning to the store, he was told by the lone cashier that another person had just run out of the store after they witnessed the manager leave.
Talk about chicken with their head cut off. A simple clothing security program involving putting security tags on clothes would have saved this manager a whole lot of frustration.

Remember a clothing alarm puts money on your bottom line not the shoplifters

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to learn about your clothing alarm options!

For more information about a clothing alarm or clothing security tags contact us at clothing security or call us at 1.770.426.0547

Protecting clothing with security tags on clothes

Ahhh, the world of a shoplifter.  Free merchandise, for personal use or perhaps for resale.  Grab and go, or conceal and casually walk out.  No matter how a person chooses to steal, shoplifting is out there, and it is a major problem for businesses.

Clothing is one of the most shoplifted items.  Everyone needs it, and it is reasonably easy to steal.  It can be bunched up inside of a purse, taken into a fitting room and then put on under the shoplifter’s own clothing, or bold thieves may just grab an armful of clothing and run out the nearest exit.

Business owners do not have to live in this world of theft and mayhem, however.  Clothing security, such as security tags on clothes, is a great way to fight this type of crime.  Clothing security tags are visible to the shoplifter, and offer a deterrent to those thinking about stealing from you.  Also, if clothing security tags go past your doors, an alarm sounds.  That is attention that most shoplifters do not want to experience.

Shoplifters tend to target higher priced and sought after clothing that they would like to have but do not wish to pay for.  By having a clothing alarm, you as a business owner can feel confident in the clothing security that you have invested in for your business.  Clothing security tags are most definitely a worthwhile investment for your business.

Adding to your bottom line, increasing profits, decreasing losses, and creating better in-stock for your customers are all good goals to have.  These goals can be met with an investment in clothing security and security tags on clothes for your business.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for your clothing alarm equipment and supplies.

For more information about clothing alarm or clothing security or clothing security tags or contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547.

Some Hints to Prevent Shoplifting – Atlanta Georgia

The effort to prevent shoplifting is more important than ever because in the current economy, statistics have shown an increase in the incidence of shoplifting versus previous years.  Many experts are predicting that the rates will continue rising.

It’s unfortunate that someone who plans to shoplift in your store or shop doesn’t wear a sign that says, “I AM A SHOPLIFTER!” or have it printed on his forehead so you could focus all your attention on him or her.  Unfortunately, shoplifters come in every shape and size, and from diverse backgrounds.  So to pick one out of a crowd of shoppers, most knowledgeable salespeople look for certain behaviors or characteristics in a potential shoplifter.

Here are some of the things to watch for:

o Did that customer that now carries a bag have that bag when she came in?  Acknowledge each customer as they enter or as soon as you can.
o Watch the shopper’s eyes.  Does he need help, or is he watching you?
o The customer seems to avoid you as you approach and refuses your offers to help.
o Be aware of customers with “props” – rolled up newspapers, large bags, baby strollers, and other items that can be used to hide merchandise.
o Customers who enter the store in a group then quickly split up to different areas of the store.
o Customers who continually walk into “blind spots”, out of your view.
o The customer who is too talkative, appears nervous or acts overly friendly, or tries to confuse you.

These are only a few of the things to watch for, but can be some of the most obvious. There are many potential shoplifters who have been deterred because they “just didn’t act right” and were noticed by an observant salesperson who approached the customer. greeted them, and offered to help.

Excellent customer service to each customer remains the most important defense to prevent shoplifting.

To discuss these and other ways to prevent shoplifting call 770-426-0547 or click here for more information in Atlanta Georgia and elsewhere.

Security tags on clothes help protect the bottom line

Security tags on clothes are a great investment for many retailers. Offering a wide selection of styles and benefits suiting the needs of the retailers, security tags on clothes are a recommended solution.

Let’s talk a little about “after the fact”. Particularly inventory. Let’s say you’ve just conducted an inventory. The numbers comeback, not so good and looking back over the year of business, what could you have done to better boost your profits and protect your assets? If you haven’t invested in a clothing security program, you’re fighting a losing battle.

Creating an action plan for your store is your next step. This plan should include what your business is gonna do over this next inventory cycle to impact the negative shrink. When preparing your plan, execute each step as you go along. For example, your store lost a large amount in women’s or young women’s jeans. You action plan should include “implementing clothing security program.” You sales associates and managers cannot provide the necessary clothing security alone. They need help, or your business will suffer the same fate, or get worse.

Clothing security, basically, requires your staff to simply attached security tags on clothes. Attaching these security tags on clothes will most certainly provide your business with the strategic initiatives to fight shrink. It’s interesting to me, seeing the large numbers o retailers that still do not provide any sort of clothing security. Just the other day, I walked into a smaller retailer, specialty shop. Although I knew nothing of this store, I could immediately tell they were in over their heads. They were trying to fight loss by over staffing and not utilizing the tools they obviously had. Security tags on clothes were obviously present, but the program was not being executed.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for your clothing alarm and clothing security tags .

For more information contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547