Why Use a Background Check Company?

October 29, 2010 by

Why Use a Background Check Company?

Employers are aware that they should conduct background checks of some sort on their prospective employees.  Depending on the level of employee they are considering, the might want to know: criminal history; credit history; judgments or liens; driving record; residence information; education and employment confirmation; and the list can go on and on.

Employers could probably gather all this information together themselves, but it would take a lot of time and effort to make it happen.  The smarter move would be to use a background check company that has the expertise and the contacts to get employers the information they need when they need it, and at a price that is a good value.

When shopping for a background check company, don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding where they obtain their information, how soon do they return the results to the employers, and are there any additional charges or fees.  A respectable background company will gladly provide this information to their potential clients so that there are no questions later.  The company conducting background checks, because of the volume they produce, are generally able to leverage good pricing and service from their suppliers and pass the speed and savings on to their own customers.

Also ask if there are any discounts for packages of services or for volume of requests.  Most any background check company will negotiate if there are large amounts of services requested by the customer.

Find out who at the background check company will be your point of contact and be comfortable that your questions will be answered by someone with experience and knowledge in conducting background checks.

For answers to your questions about background checks, call 770-426-0547 or click here to email an expert.

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A day in the life of a Loss Prevention Agent – Atlanta Georgia

October 29, 2010 by

I remember being a loss prevention agent . Several years ago, I worked my first loss prevention job as a loss prevention agent for a small chain of stores. My job required me to conduct surveillance on customers suspected of theft. When I witnessed these customers conceal merchandise and exit the store, I stepped in.

Every Saturday, I would plan the upcoming week. What areas of the business did I need to focus? Were the shampoos, aspirins, and liquor or baby products ok? I checked maps of all of the hotspots at whatever location I worked. For this week, I’m working a hard hit store in a metropolitan area. Last week, the manager told me about a group of shoplifters that had been hitting his store between 7 and 9pm. This group worked the store like it was their job. 2 of the females of the group would distract the manager while the 2 males and third female filled baskets full of merchandise. Then, while the manager was occupied with the 2 females, the other team would wheel the full shopping cart out of the store.

As a loss prevention agent , I gathered information and built my strategy. I knew the suspected thieves always came between 7pm and 9pm. Now, I narrowed down the days to Tuesdays and Fridays. I planned my work schedule for those two days. Suspecting these people would hit the merchandise with a high street and resale value, I watched areas like health and beauty, baby products and other street valuable merchandise.
Tuesday, at about 8pm, while I was working shoplift detail, the group of suspects entered the store. The manager notified me immediately.

From a distance, I saw a male and female speaking with the manager, quickly I ran to my observation area and quickly found the other 3 suspects. I watched as they filled the basket with merchandise. Having a relationship with local police department, I had a car waiting outside to help. As the suspects exited, I notified the waiting police car. The suspects were stopped, arrested and booked for grand theft.

As a loss prevention agent , I did my job and was excited about it.

For more information visit us at loss prevention agent or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Employee fraud more of a temptation in poor economy and becoming tougher to tackle

October 29, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The poor economy leads more people into employee fraud temptation.  They say there are three types of employees; those who fall into the ten percent who will never steal from you no matter what, those who will steal from you at some point if given the right opportunity at about 80%, and the final 10% who are going to steal from you no matter what.

So the eight percenters are the ones we need to watch, obviously now more than ever, being in these tough economic times.  And this 80% group is probably full of people you would think would never steal from you no matter what.  So how do you know who is a thief and who is not when you recognize you are having a problem somewhere and likely experiencing employee fraud of some kind?

Your CPA may be the first person you call to put some pieces of the puzzle together.  They will no doubt find issues.  So now what? You have some irregular activity identified, could be one or more of a few different employees.  How do you get to the truth without accusing all the potential suspects and damage relationships with good employees?  Answer, a professional corporate fraud investigator can get down to the truth without blowing anyone up, and they will protect you from the process.

We often work with CPAs and CFEs as a link in the chain of their unvestigation.  A trained employee fraud investigator from our team will utilize information gathered to lead them through specific interviewing tactics and ultimately interogation techniques if needed to deliver a written confession.  No rubber hoses or scare tactics necessary.

If you have a concern about internal theft and would like to learn more, please visit employee fraud.

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Corporate Fraud….Insurance Scams – Atlanta Georgia

October 29, 2010 by Leave a Comment

One of the leading corporate fraud scams out there is insurance scamming.  Insurance Fraud is any act committed with the intention of obtaining funds fraudulently from an insurance provider.  These types of frauds not only cost companies billions of dollars annually, but can affect the lives of innocent by standers as well.  The Coalition against Insurance Fraud estimates that in 2006 a total of about $80 billion was lost in the United States due to insurance fraud.

Let’s look at an example of corporate fraud that affects the innocent.  Ever been sitting at  a red light, minding your own business and someone intentionally hits you from behind, then you hit the car in front of you.  Well when the person in front of you claims a neck injury….because he was working with the creep who hit you….files false medical costs…….then they are committing insurance fraud.

Medical disability is also one of the leading corporate fraud scams for insurance companies and worker’s compensation.  Say an employee is able to convince a medical professional they are unable to work due to an injury they sustained while on the job.  Not only is the company out worker’s compensation monies, but the government is out disability funds if they employee claims they cannot ever work!  My dream job would be follow these folks around that are capable of holding a job but defrauding the government for disability and take photos of them riding bikes and water skiing.

Corporate fraud in the insurance market is one of the hardest to prove.  Do you think your corporation, insurance company or otherwise, have been the victim of Fraud?  Contact us at corporate fraud or call 1.770.426.0547. – Atlanta Georgia

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Time to bring in the Loss Prevention Investigator – Atlanta Georgia

October 28, 2010 by

As a loss prevention investigator working for a new company, my goal is their goal, keep them profitable.

This store was about a 15,000 square foot selling hardline and softline goods in the specialty market. Business was good for the most part. The store was cranking out great sales. It seemed profitable. For this reason, the management team cut corners and went outside of policy in a few areas in attempts to maintain the sales momentum. In the process, they took their eye off of the operations. In a matter of days, 2 regular employees were suspected of theft.

When this information was brought to the attention of the managers, they didn’t believe it. In fact, I was told… “That’s impossible” and “No, not him, he’s just a good salesman”. As a seasoned Loss Prevention Investigator I knew the facts never lie. Initially, the managers did not want me to speak with the employees; they were worried that my actions would create a negative work environment for these employees and all of the others. Insisting, I showed each manager the evidence I had uncovered. In agreement, I sat and interviewed the first employee.

Employee #1 was asked about losses he had caused since being with the company. Initially, he denied any wrongdoing and after about 10 minutes of questioning, he stated he had been involved with at least one instance of theft. As I dug deeper, the employee admitted that over the last 5 years, he had been involved with Employee #2 in taking merchandise and cash from the store. Employee #1 went on to say he started the theft because of an unresolved disagreement he had with a manager and felt the company owed him.

Employee # 2 admitted to theft as well. During his interview, he said he got involved with employee #1 because they had been fed up with the actions of management. Altogether, these two employees caused losses in excess of $200,000 over 5 years.

As a Loss Prevention Investigator , I provide the support and position needed by companies to resolve instore loss related issues. A loss prevention investigator also provides a sense of support and well being to management and associates alike.

For more information on loss prevention investigator or consultants visit us at loss prevention investigator or call us at 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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More Employee Theft Caught – Atlanta Georgia

October 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Here is another employee theft investigation that Loss Prevention Systems conducted for a client. An employee theft investigation is usually very quick. We specialize in this area and can solve most of these situations to your company’s satisfaction. Of course the names have been changed to protect the guilty.

Confidential

Internal Theft Investigative Case Report

On September 24th, an employee theft investigation was initiated by Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. (LPSI) at the request of Mr. X, Director of Operations.

Mr. X stated that S. Jones, Head Cashier, had suspected of beening involved in the theft of merchandise.

During an interview with Jones, she admitted to the theft of $990 in merchandise and $1,500 in cash from the store.  Jones stated that she stole merchandise by only ringing up part of a sale when friends would come into the store.  Jones stole cash by doing fraudulent returns and pocketing the money.  Jones incorporated her admissions into a written and signed statement.

During an interview with Suzy Young, Cashier, Young admitted to the theft of $5,400 in merchandise and $3,035 in cash from the store.  Young stated that she stole merchandise by only partially ringing up a sale for friends when they were coming into the store.  Young stated that in collusion with Jones she would steal cash by doing fraudulent returns.  Young incorporated her admissions into a written and signed statement.

During an interview with Debbie Dummy, Cashier, Dummy admitted to the theft of $163 in merchandise. Dummy stated she would steal items of interest to her such as xxxxx by simply walking out of the store without paying for them.  On several occasions she gave small merchandise items to friends in exchange for cash, which she pocketed.  Dummy incorporated her admissions into a written and signed statement.

During an interview with Mary Not-so-bright, Cashier, Not-so-bright admitted to the theft of $200 in merchandise from the store.  Not-so-bright stated that in collusion with Young, she gave away merchandise to friends by only ringing up part of the merchandise and giving the balance away.  Not-so-bright also stated that she stole several items for herself.  Not-so-bright incorporated her admissions into a written and signed statement.

During an interview with David Johnson, Assistant Manager, Johnson stated that he had been removing large quantities of merchandise from both the xxx and xxx stores.  Johnson said that he would ring the merchandise up using the training mode on the register, and then deliver the merchandise to a (client) customer. Johnson would give this customer a 30 percent discount. The customer in turn would then write a check, which Johnson would ring into the register anywhere from 1 to 7 days later.  During the interview Johnson produced one of the checks.  However, the check listed Johnson as the payee. Harris incorporated his admissions into a written and signed statement.

All information and investigative facts developed during this investigation were turned over to Mr X, Director of Operations.

Notes: Routinely our employee theft investigation work turns up more evidence of internal theft by other employees. It is like grabbing a thread and pulling, the cloth unravels.  This employee theft investigation took approximately 2 days to complete including the report.

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

 

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Shoplifting problems? Consider a Checkpoint Security System

October 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

All retailers suffer from shoplifting and many turn to a checkpoint security system to get control of the issue.  This type of system is called an EAS system, or an Electronic Article Surveillance system.  A checkpoint security system consists of installing sensors in doorways which will detect hard security tags, many different types of security “keepers” (or cases) and security labels.  When merchandise that has not been through a proper checkout gets to the sensors at exit ways an alarm sounds and lights blink alerting store employees of the potential shoplifting incident.

Something to keep in mind if considering a checkpoint security system is that it is one piece of the loss prevention pie so to speak.  It is critical that there be a more deliberate approach to controlling shoplifting that simply installing a system and thinking it will do all the work.  Sure the presence of the system will deter shoplifting and keep shoplifters out of the store to a degree, but to get the most out of the investment employees need to be trained on how to take an active role in controlling shoplifting.

How to tag up the merchandise properly, what to tag up, how to handle an alarm situation, how to spot a shoplifter and approach them in a non confrontational way etc… are all critical aspects of an effective loss prevention program.

For more info visit: checkpoint security system 

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Checkpoint Tags – Tags For Sporting Goods And Electrical Cords

October 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Checkpoint systems which owns Alpha has produced a couple of new retail anti theft devices that are hard tags intended for several merchandise items…corded electronics and tools, golf clubs and baseball bats. These hard tags are one piece that is hinged, wraps around the shaft of the item and locks in place. Each one has a non-slip grip on the interior. This keeps the O-Tag from moving around freely and protects the finish on your product.

They come in two sizes. The easiest way to describe them is that the smaller size fits electrical cords, golf club shafts and fishing rods size items. The large O-tag fits the shaft of a baseball bat.

Of course the O-tags retail anti theft devices are reusable over and over. They require an S-3 Key to unlock them. The S-3 gives them unequaled security. The S-3 key is very unique and keeps shoplifters from using another device to unlock the tag. Remember: your Checkpoint systems S-3’s must always be secured by bolting them to your cash/wrap or processing area in the back.

If you have power tools such as corded drills, circular saws and jigsaws you can now place the smaller O-Tag on the cord and have the unit on display or on the sales floor. The O-Tag does not hinder your products appearance and allows customers to completely interact with it.

The small O-tag is black the large one is gray. They are available in either RF or AM.  They come in cases of 100. Alpha has printed or molded into the plastic  “Electronic Alarm”. This gives a clear visual deterrent to the shoplifter.

The O-Tag is an item that you would be able to use a small quantity to cover some very expensive items.

For more information about shoplifting or checkpoint systems contact us at retail anti theft devices or call 1.770.426.0547

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Background Checks and Social Media

October 27, 2010 by

Background Checks and Social Media

If your pre employment screening efforts consist of Google and Facebook, you are not getting the information you need to make a good hiring decision.  In fact, the information you get from the internet may be worse than no information at all.

In the world of corporate HR, two words you will hear fairly consistently are… fairly and consistently.

Using a social site like MySpace or Facebook as a pre employment tool poses several potential problems.  Are you checking every applicant online, or just a few?  What if the applicant’s personal page shows that he or she is of a particular religion or race?  Suppose they belong to a group whose views you don’t happen to agree with?  How about if there is a picture of the applicant in a bar?  And remember, most of the content that is on an applicant’s social media site is information that he or she is putting out there for everyone to see.  It may not actually be representative of the individual or his behavior.

If you then don’t hire the candidate, could there be a problem?  Possibly.

Using the Google Search Engine may also present problems, as results being returned to you might not be the person you are interested in.  Even unusual names can be duplicated in the vastness of the internet, so that your results may be totally inaccurate.  Then it is up to you to determine if the person is the correct one.  And accuracy is what you want in pre employment background checks, and you want to apply all your employment screening standards fairly and consistently.

Neither of these will provide information that is actually useful on its own in pre employment screening.  At best, it should be used only in addition to employee background checks conducted by a trusted background check company.

Use your background check company as a valued business partner helping you define an effective employment screening program that is applied fairly and consistently to all applicants.

To discuss your pre employment screening policies, contact us by calling 770-426-0547 or click here to email.

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White Collar Crime…The art of Laundering Money – Atlanta Georgia

October 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

“Money laundering.”  We hear that term associated with white collar crime on the news and in crime reports but does the average person actually know what it means?

I used to share an office with a gentleman who moved here from China.  It was in the early 1990’s when a famous case in the Atlanta area came to light.  Fred Tokars, an attorney in the metro Atlanta area, was convicted of killing his wife through a hired hit because she found out he was laundering money.

My friend came to work one day and asked me…”What is laundry money?”  Honestly I had no idea what he was talking about until he uttered the words….”FRED TOKARS”.  Then I knew.  I also knew I wasn’t really sure how to explain laundering money to him.

In the white collar crime world money laundering is very prevalent because most of the money that is laundered is gained illegally.  People want to cover their tracks.  Money laundering is defined as the practice of engaging in financial transactions to conceal the identity, source and/or destination of illegally gained money.  Tax evasion and false accounting make up many of the white collar crime accusations in the money laundering world.

The most basic money laundering scheme is called “cashing up”.  Say a business, such as a gas station, has a long standing relationship with a bank.  If they have made consistent deposits for years, then the opportunity may arise to make a “larger” than normal deposit every now and then.  This doesn’t look criminal, can be attributed to the business and the money launderer can now pull their money out of the bank all nice and clean.

People can also use shell companies that show income on the books but actually don’t make any money.  The income is reported, taxes are paid and the money is laundered.  This is white collar crime at its best, cleaning dirty money.

Do you suspect white collar crime in your business? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

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