These symptoms serve as guideposts, eliminating many employees from suspicion, and directing the investigator's attention towards other employees who may be responsible for the crime. The listed symptoms all involve a significant change in behavior, attitude, lifestyle or job performance. Frequent requests for cash advances, or delayed repayment of prior loans. This indicates that the employee has expenses exceeding income, a cycle that generally will continue until it is interrupted. The employee must embezzle an ever-greater amount of money to cover past thefts that remain unpaid.
Telephone calls at work from creditors.
This is generally a collection agency's last resort, and indicates that the agency has been unsuccessful in past collection efforts. The agency will eventually initiate court proceedings against the employee, applying greater pressure to pay off past-due amounts. A court order served by a Sheriff or Marshal that requires the institution to withhold all or a part of the employee's wages, and puts the employee's finances under the control of the court. Embarrassment results, and the employee may escalate any existing embezzlement activity. Borrowing constantly from fellow employees, and seldom repaying these loans.