Employee theft: Helping themselves to your profits – Atlanta Georgia

Some retail studies show that one third of all theft that a business may experience is caused by employee theft .  When a business owner looks to hire an employee, he hopes that the employee will be trustworthy and able to perform their job in a manner that helps in the function and profitability of the business.  No business owner hopes to have employees contribute to their shrink percentages.

Internal theft can be prevented or reduced in a variety of ways.  Managers and owners should maintain a good relationship with employees.  Those that are disgruntled are less likely to care about stealing from their employer than those that are happy with their jobs.  Businesses with low turnover rates have been shown to have reduced rates of internal theft in some cases.

Policies and procedures need to be in place for a business’s vital areas, and these need to be followed by everyone.  Business owners and managers need to realize that all employees could potentially choose to create a loss for their business, regardless of the fact that they have previously been a trusted employee.  Circumstances may change in an employee’s life to where he or she may be able to justify a theft from his employer.  Policies have to be enforced for every employee in order to prevent the opportunity to steal.

Another best practice is to have a background check conducted on all prospective employees.  This will weed out the candidates that may have been caught and prosecuted at another business for internal theft or other illegal activities.

When there is an employee theft investigation that needs to be conducted, businesses are wise to consult a corporate fraud investigator in order to complete an accurate and thorough investigation.

When something raises a red flag that makes a business owner suspect employee theft, there is probably much more that went unnoticed before that red flag was raised. In this case do not wait to order an employee theft investigation .

For more information about employee theft or internal theft or employee theft investigation or corporate fraud investigator or corporate fraud investigation contact us at corporate fraud investigator or call 1.770.426.256 – Atlanta Georgia

The Loss Prevention Investigator and the Potential Shoplifter – Atlanta Georgia

Imagine for a moment that you’re a loss prevention investigator and you’re on the job – alone. You spot an elderly Caucasian woman carrying an oversized pocketbook near the lingerie department. A sales associate approaches her but she quickly dismisses them then makes her way to a secluded corner of the store. Soon after an African-American man in his early 20’s comes in wearing baggy jeans and an oversized hooded sweatshirt. He is wearing a ball cap that’s pulled low over his eyes and he heads directly to the Electronics department. Again, you’re alone and you are now faced with a decision. Who do you keep under surveillance? Why?

A loss prevention investigator faces choices like these on a daily basis. However, you have to remember that stereotyping is not an option. To single out someone based on race, creed, religion, gender or age is immoral, and more importantly illegal. Now I know some of you are thinking, “Come on, everybody stereotypes a little bit. They don’t mean anything by it.” And you’re probably right. However, the loss prevention investigator does mean something by it. They mean to catch and prosecute those who break the law. They mean to go to court and testify to the validity of their choices and their actions. This is serious business.

So, who do you keep under surveillance? Well, it’s a trick question. The elderly lady has the means in which to conceal merchandise – her oversized pocketbook, and her avoidance of the associates and customers make her behavior understandably suspicious. The young man’s attire is his means in which to conceal and is simultaneously suspicious in certain circumstances. You are completely justified, for these reasons, to watch either one. If you’re a loss prevention investigator the choice is yours.

For more information about loss prevention agent or loss prevention consultants contact us at Loss prevention investigator or call 1.770.426.0547

Identity Theft and the Criminal Background Check

Identity Theft and the Criminal Background Check

What would you do if you needed a job, but thought that a criminal background check might turn up negative information on you, like the credit cards you stole and used, or the four shoplifting arrests you’ve had?

An idea used by some people to get by this minor inconvenience is to assume someone else’s identity.  Then, unless your potential employer submitted your fingerprints to a background check expert, no record, at least for you, would show up in a criminal background check.

Admittedly, many companies go beyond the basic criminal background check as part of their pre employment screening process, but others don’t.  Using another’s identity is fairly commonplace among illegal immigrants who can’t legally work in the US without a valid social security number, but is also used by legal residents that have something to hide, or are fugitives from justice.  Those with a past to conceal often use the identification of a friend, relative, or acquaintance that they are able to get the identification from and use it until they either quit or are found out.

There is also the possibility that the person whose identification is being used has a criminal history, but that is a whole new problem, both for the employer and the applicant.

There are other steps to take to validate identity.  Be very careful when examining identification documents such as a driver’s license or social security card.  Both of these can be easily faked.  Compare suspected documents against those that you know are genuine and note any differences, be sure lamination is correctly sealed and hasn’t been tampered with, and that the physical description and photo matches the applicant.

A criminal background check on a person with phony identification is worse that no background check at all, because it has been paid for, and the results are worthless.  Extra effort to determine true identity is sometimes worth it.

Questions? Call 770-426-0547 or click here.

 

Are You Blood In The Water To A Shoplifter? – Atlanta Georgia

I never realized that so many smaller retailers are actually afraid to take proactive actions to prevent shoplifting in their stores. As an LP professional that has apprehended more shoplifters than I care to remember I have a difficult time with this fear. I can assure you that shoplifters will sense your fear and you WILL become one of their favorites. Its like blood in the water to a shark.

A proactive approach sends the message “leave me alone I am not afraid of you”. To prevent shoplifting you must not be afraid to provide great customer service. That is the foundation. Wow…this is something you strive for anyway. Great customer service drives your good customers into the store and drives the shoplifters out the door, down the street into your less prepared competitor.

Use Checkpoint security systems. This provides you with 24/7 security coverage on your merchandise. It never takes a day off or calls in sick. So when your floor coverage is low you are still protected.

You must call the police whenever you catch a shoplifter regardless of age, sex or any other factor. If you do not, the smell of blood will be in the water. If the shoplifter knows that the worst they face is harsh words from you or your staff then so what! Remember most states have merchant laws in place that protect you from both civil and criminal action. You just have to follow some simple rules. If you would like a copy of your states laws contact us.

A well-lighted, clean and neat store also tells shoplifter that you are on the ball and know where your merchandise is and account for it.

You and your staff need to be trained in how to deal with a shoplifter when you do make the decision to apprehend. But even more important you need to practice it before you do it in real life.

It is simple logic the shoplifter will take the path of least resistance. Make their path an uphill climb strewn with boulders and vines. They will go away!

For more information about shoplifting or Checkpoint security systems contact us at prevent shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

300 Million Shoplifters And Clothing Security

According to the Insurance Information Institute there are nearly 300 million shoplifting incidents per year. This is an all out attack on retailers large and small. The big store chains have figured it out. They use store investigators, Checkpoint Security Systems, customer service and other techniques and tools. So why haven’t you?

Clothing security is not rocket science. If you use Checkpoint Security Systems you place security tags on clothing and that lets the shoplifter know that you are simply not going to roll over and die when the shoplifter tries to clean you out. Security tags on clothes are inexpensive and very effective. They come in different shapes, sizes and configurations.

The clothing alarm goes at the front of your store at the customer entrance/exit. When the shoplifter tries to steal a protected item the security tags on clothing will trip the clothing alarm and the shoplifter is uncovered. The system works 24/7 and needs little attention. Checkpoint Security Systems is the leader in this industry.

Clothing security tags are reusable. The cashier removes them at the time of checkout. They are then taken back and recycled onto another piece of clothing.

Clothing security tags and a clothing alarm combined with good customer service is the solution to shoplifting. When faced with this “wall” shoplifter will go elsewhere where the pickings are easier. This will be your competitor who is not protected.

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

Employee theft investigation boosts profits – Atlanta Georgia

Did you know doing an employee theft investigation boosts your profits? Retail loss prevention experts estimate that employees cause larger losses than shoplifters. These facts prove the necessity for a solid retail loss prevention program and diligent employee theft investigation.

Now, we all know that inventory shrinkage caused by internal theft can cripple a store. An employee theft investigation should be tailored to your business to specifically target the highest shrink merchandise in your stores.

Recently, a company I worked for had a 10% shrink number after an inventory. Now, being in retail loss prevention , this high number told me that this store needed in depth employee theft investigation . It was obvious this store was suffering from internal theft and it was only gonna get worse if the retail loss prevention department didn’t do something about it. So, I initiated an employee theft investigation on several employees in the store.

Conducting investigations on internal theft suspects can be a daunting task if your business is not suited with the right equipment. After reviewing several hours of video, speaking with several associates, I was able to narrow down the main culprits to loss inside of this store. Employee theft was rampant in this store. The managers were even part of the problem. I arranged my employee interviews based on the active amount of their participation. First, was the manager on duty. He had keys to all parts of the store including the receiving area roll-up door (where most merchandise was exiting), and had codes to access the alarm panels and camera systems in the store.

During the interview of the manager, I asked him about internal theft in his store and what he thought of the inventory shrinkage. Immediately the manager told me that none of his employees were stealing and that shoplifters caused all of the 10% loss.

For more information about employee theft , internal theft , corporate fraud investigation or corporate fraud investigator contact us at employee theft investigation or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Retail shrinkage and retail loss, the effects of owning inventory – Atlanta Georgia

Retail shrinkage and retail loss are one in the same. No matter which term you use, they equal the same… Bad News for the business owner or manager.
I’ve been part of many inventories over the years and have seen lots of ways retail shrinkage affects business. I have to say, the losses all seem to occur the same way at every company.

There can be a solution, but management must be willing to incorporate specific policies, procedures and create a proactive loss prevention environment. Retail shrinkage will ALWAYS happen but it can be controlled and kept to manageable levels. For this to occur, management MUST incorporate some sort of retail loss prevention program and make them accountable for a large portion of the inventory shrinkage. This will encourage the program to dig deep to the root causes of retail loss and build a solid plan or shrink reduction strategies.  

In most companies, Retail loss prevention is the department to turn to when you store is having inventory shrinkage or retail loss. As specialists, they will and should develop a program to help counter the retail loss a store may be experiencing. Focusing their efforts on employee theft investigation, shoplifter apprehension, operational accountability audits and front end controls, retail loss prevention offers many solutions. Now, for a retail loss prevention program to be successful, they must have and maintain a solid partnership with their operations business partners. This includes onsite managers, corporate level managers and business owners.

If a plan to counter retail shrinkage and retail loss is created, then a business can focus on what is most important… boosting profits. Keep your profits and seriously consider creating or incorporating a retail loss prevention program. After all, that’s why most businesses exist, to make a profit.

For more information visit us at retail shrinkage or call us at 1.770.426.0547

Where Do You Get Your Applicant Background Information

Where Do You Get Your Applicant Background Information

A background check expert will deliver customized results to your fax or inbox.  Most employers – small, medium, and large – will conduct some sort of pre employment screening on its potential employees.  The question they should ask themselves is, “What is the value of my background checks?”

The employer that depends on a Google name search and a glance at Facebook will save a small amount of money, but the results will be far from useful, causing some good applicants to be rejected and giving a false sense of security in others.  Most background check experts consider these methods to be worse than worthless, since they deliver unsatisfactory information and are in no way compliant with current laws.

The one size fits all background check really doesn’t fit at all.  By that I mean the quick and easy background check that is available on line and paid for by credit card.  Common sense will tell you that if you key in a name like “John Smith”, your results are not going to be reliable.  The information provider will leave it up to the requestor to discern what is or isn’t accurate.  And there is no way that the commercial database can hold information that is anywhere near real-time.  An out-of-date information can mean trouble for a potential employer.

A background check expert can help your business design a pre employment screening program that is personalized to be economical and useful.  Don’t pay for information you don’t need and don’t miss information that you do need to make the very best hiring decision and protect the company from a potential problem employee.

To speak with a background check expert for advice on your pre employment screening program, call 770-426-0547 or click:  background check expert.

 

The Key to an Employee Theft Investigation – Atlanta Georgia

Simply put, the key to a proper employee theft investigation is listening. I know, it seems like common sense right? Well the one thing I’ve learned in the 10 plus years I’ve been in this business is that common sense isn’t all that common. When it comes to uncovering the perpetrator of an internal crime, the best sources of information are often the people who work together and see one another day after day in all types of situations. They know what constitutes “normal” behavior in co-workers and can spot abnormal behavior within minutes. You, the investigator, will probably not have that perspective.

In any employee theft investigation the most important step is to make the employees understand why revealing the information is good for them. Coercing employees to tell what they do not want to tell only works on the television cop shows. All investigators will eventually learn that it’s the innocent suspects who are most eager to see the case solved. Nobody likes the specter of doubt hanging over their head, especially when they’ve done nothing wrong. So logically, they should bend over backward to tell the investigator everything they can about who might have committed the theft right? Wrong. There are several reasons why they don’t.

News, especially bad news, travels fast within any organization and nobody wants to be labeled as a “snitch” or a “rat”. Therefore the investigator must convince the individual that they’re actually doing a service to their fellow employees by divulging the information. Even if the other employees don’t realize it they are biting the bullet and in fact being a hero by telling what they know or suspect. For this to be effective the investigator has to also believe it. Anyone who feels like they’re being conned will clam up immediately. Keep the lines of communication open and you will simplify your employee theft investigation .

For more information about employee theft, corporate fraud investigation or internal theft contact us at employee theft investigation or call 1.770.426.0547

The benefits of retail loss prevention and employee theft investigation – Atlanta Georgia

Retail loss prevention has been part of the retail world for many years. Contributing to the protection of assets and boosting profits, retail loss prevention is a solid operational partner.

In many instances retail loss prevention has proven its worth. When I first started working in the retail loss prevention field, as a loss prevention agent, my job was simple, catch shoplifters. There was nothing to it. Later, as I developed my experienced changed from simply catching shoplifters to  employee theft investigation. Employee theft investigation was a more challenging aspect of retail loss prevention. Employee theft investigation showed just how easy it was and is for dishonest employees to ruin a business.

Prior to this experience, I was a bit naïve and thought, “no way, employees don’t steal” or like many managers out there, I thought, “I work with a great group of people, there’s no way they’re stealing”. Hello! Big mistake in the thought process. Infact, in many instances, some of the most trusted employees I worked with were stealing the most merchandise and causing the most retail loss. However, with internal theft or employee theft investigation , I learned that there are many factors leading to retail loss.

Examples of statistical information pertaining to internal theft include: young males (under25), employees with personal money troubles, family members working in or at the same location, disgruntled employees and a lack of management oversight. Although, these are just a few, there is no fool proof way to identify internal theft , nor is there any exact way to stop it. However, with diligent employee theft investigation and a solid loss prevention program, internal theft can be greatly reduced.

Now, the other factor, shoplifting. How can we ever prevent shoplifting? Is it possible to prevent shoplifting? YES! You can prevent shoplifting. Shoplifting has been around since almost the beginning of time and will continue to happen, but it certainly is possible to prevent shoplifting.

For more information about internal theft or employee theft contact us at employee theft investigation or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia