Or they may overcharge customers and pocket the difference or undercharge other employees and friends. Embezzlement can go from simple overloading of expense accounts, to payments made to non-existent suppliers, to complicated juggling of the company books. Inventory shortages are increasing in size or frequency. Employees refuse vacations or promotions. Business patterns change when a certain employee is absent.
Customers complain about errors in monthly statements.
Employees seem sensitive to routine questions about procedures. Unfortunately, there are many ways dishonest employees can cheat their employers. A maintenance worker stashes office supplies like calculators and typewriters in trash bins. Your best defense is frequent and thorough inventory control. Limit employees access to stock and inventory records.