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When most people think about fraud in a dental office, they usually picture someone stealing cash. But in a recent Southern California case, prosecutors alleged a dental office submitted nearly $800,000 in false Medi-Cal claims for work that wasn’t actually performed. That highlights an important reality many business owners overlook: Fraud risk is not always about someone physically taking money. Sometimes it develops quietly inside: billing processes documentation approvals insurance claims routine activity that gradually stops being reviewed And that’s what makes these cases so dangerous. How Fraud Risks Build Over Time Cases like this typically do not begin with one large fraudulent act. Instead, problems often grow slowly through: weak oversight poor review procedures lack of independent verification excessive trust in routine operations Eventually, billing activity that once received attention simply becomes “normal.” And when nobody is looking closely anymore, risks can grow unnoticed. Important Lessons for Dental Practices and Small Businesses This case is a reminder that fraud prevention is not just about preventing theft. It is also about: reviewing billing activity monitoring claims processes verifying documentation maintaining strong internal controls That applies not only to dental offices, but to many businesses that process billing, insurance claims, or client payments. Watch the Fraud Friday Video I recently discussed this Southern California dental office case in a short Fraud Friday video, including several lessons business owners can take away from it. 🎥 Watch the video here: Watch the Fraud Friday Video Final Thought Fraud risk does not always appear dramatic while it is happening. Often, it hides inside normal business operations that nobody thinks to question anymore. And that’s exactly why periodic review and independent oversight matter. If you’d like an outside perspective on fraud risk and internal controls in your organization, feel free to contact Blevins Associates Consulting for a confidential conversation.

Most business owners assume they would spot a fake vendor immediately. But in reality, vendor fraud often looks completely legitimate while it’s happening. That’s what makes it dangerous. In many fraud cases, the scheme doesn’t involve stolen cash, dramatic theft, or obvious misconduct. Instead, someone quietly creates a vendor inside the accounting system, submits invoices, approves payments, and money simply starts leaving the business. Month after month. Without anyone questioning it. What Vendor Fraud Actually Looks Like Vendor fraud can take several forms, including: Creating fake vendors in the accounting system Submitting fraudulent invoices Inflating legitimate invoices Routing payments to personal accounts Working with outside vendors to overbill the company The common theme is simple: The transactions often appear routine. That’s why vendor fraud can continue for long periods before anyone notices there’s a problem. Why Small Businesses Are Especially Vulnerable In many small and midsize businesses, employees wear multiple hats. It’s not uncommon for one person to: set up vendors process invoices approve payments reconcile accounts Operationally, that may seem efficient. But it also creates an environment where fraud can quietly develop if oversight is limited. And the reality is, most fraud schemes are not sophisticated. They succeed because nobody is looking closely enough. The Problem with “Trusted Employees” One of the biggest misconceptions in fraud prevention is the belief that trust alone protects a business. It doesn’t. EVER! In fact, many occupational fraud cases involve long-term, trusted employees who had access, opportunity, and little independent oversight. One concept I constanltly preach, is "trust is not an internal control". That does not mean business owners should distrust their teams. It means organizations should have reasonable controls in place to reduce risk. Because even good people can make bad decisions when controls are weak. Something in their personal life may be going on behind the scenes you're completely unaware of. Red Flags That May Indicate Vendor Fraud Some common warning signs include: Vendors with limited or vague information Multiple vendors sharing the same address or phone number Invoices just below approval thresholds Unusual increases in vendor payments Employees resistant to oversight or review Missing documentation or vague invoice descriptions Individually, these issues may not indicate fraud. But patterns matter. As a business owner, you should personally review this documentation periodically. Simple Steps That Can Reduce Risk The good news is that vendor fraud risk can often be reduced with practical, straightforward controls: Separate vendor setup from payment approval Periodically review the vendor list Require supporting documentation for invoices Verify new vendors independently Review payment trends and anomalies Rotate responsibilities when possible Small improvements in oversight can make a huge difference. Final Thought Vendor fraud usually does not begin with a major theft. It begins with a process nobody thinks to question. A vendor gets added. An invoice gets approved. A payment goes out. And over time, those small transactions can become very expensive problems. If your organization has never reviewed its vendor approval process or payment controls, now may be a good time to take a closer look. If you’d like a practical place to start, simply contact us. Let's talk about YOUR situation. We also have a free Fraud Prevention Checklist you can download at: 👉 www.blevinsassociates.com/fraud-checklist

This employee gave himself a raise for six years. And no one noticed! At a California flight school, a trusted employee was eventually convicted of stealing more than $527,000  from the company. The method wasn’t complicated. It was subtle, repetitive, and hidden inside normal business activity. That’s what makes this case so important for small business owners. What Happened According to investigators, the employee inflated his own paychecks by issuing unauthorized bonuses and submitting false expense reimbursements. Not once. Not twice. Over and over again. Over time, those small adjustments added up to more than half a million dollars. Why This Fraud Wasn’t Detected What stands out in this case is not just the amount — it’s how long it went unnoticed. Nothing about the business appeared broken: Payroll was processed regularly Expenses were approved Operations continued normally From the outside, everything looked fine. But inside the accounting system, the fraud was hiding in plain sight. This is how occupational fraud typically works. It does not present itself as a crisis. It blends into routines that no one questions. Where the Risk Exists for Small Businesses Many small businesses operate with limited staff and high levels of trust. It’s common for one employee to handle multiple financial responsibilities, including: Payroll processing Expense reimbursements Recordkeeping Bank reconciliation While efficient, this creates a dangerous condition: too much control in one place. When a single person controls the full financial process, fraud doesn’t need to be sophisticated to succeed. It simply needs to go unchecked. Key Takeaway This case is not about a failure of intelligence or effort by the business owner. It’s about a lack of independent oversight. Even well-run businesses can develop blind spots when: Duties are not separated Reviews are not independent Routine processes are assumed to be correct What You Can Do The good news is that risks like this can be reduced with relatively simple steps: Separate payroll and approval responsibilities Require independent review of payroll changes Review expense reimbursements periodically Perform spot checks on financial activity You don’t need a large finance department to do this — you just need structure and consistency. Start Here If you want a practical way to evaluate your own risk, download the free Fraud Prevention Checklist  and take a few minutes to review your current controls. 👉 www.blevinsassociates.com/fraud-checklist Closing Fraud doesn’t usually look dramatic when it’s happening. It looks normal. And that’s exactly why it’s so easy to miss.

Last week, during a presentation at Trilogy in La Quinta, I had the opportunity to discuss a vital topic: the difference between scams and fraud. As a Certified Fraud Examiner, I focus on educating the public about consumer scams and frauds. My consulting practice specializes in occupational fraud, which refers to fraudulent activities that occur in the workplace. It's essential to raise awareness about these issues to help individuals and organizations protect themselves. What is a Scam? A scam  is a deceptive scheme designed to con someone out of their money or personal information. Scammers often rely on psychological manipulation, exploiting emotions like greed, fear, or sympathy. It's also referred to as "social engineering". Common examples include: Phishing Emails : Messages that look legitimate but aim to steal personal information. Lottery Scams : Claims that you’ve won a prize but need to pay fees to claim it. Romance Scams : Fake profiles on dating sites that lure victims into sending money. What is Fraud? Fraud  is a broader legal term encompassing any intentional dishonest activity aimed at financial or personal gain. While fraud can involve scams, it also includes various forms of deception, such as: Occupational Fraud : This refers to fraudulent activities that occur within a workplace environment. Examples include: Embezzlement : The misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust. Theft of Inventory : Stealing physical goods from a business. Data Theft : Illegally obtaining sensitive company information. Mismanagement of Financial Statements : Manipulating reports to present a false image of a company’s financial health. Understanding these distinctions is vital for recognizing and addressing fraudulent activities effectively. Key Differences Scope : All scams are forms of fraud, but not all frauds are scams. Fraud encompasses a wider range of dishonest activities. Method : Scams often involve direct manipulation of an individual, while fraud may include systematic schemes affecting many people. By understanding these differences, you can better protect yourself and others from financial loss. Through my consulting practice and presentations, I aim to equip individuals with the knowledge needed to recognize and avoid these deceptive practices. Reach out to us if you have questions, wish to discuss presentation opportunities.

A small business owner in Southern California trusted their manager completely. Same story I hear all the time: “They’ve been with me forever.” “They handle everything.” “I don’t need to look over their shoulder.” But that same trusted manager was later arrested for small business embezzlement . Investigators say invoices were shredded and cash was quietly taken over time. Not in one dramatic event. Little by little. Slow enough that no one noticed. This is how employee theft in small business  usually happens. Why Employee Theft in Small Business Doesn’t Look Like a Crime Most owners expect fraud to look obvious. It doesn’t. It looks like: A normal business day Phones ringing Customers walking in Employees doing their jobs The owner focused on growth Fraud in small business hides inside routine.Inside trust.Inside “we’ve always done it this way.” That’s why employee stealing from the company  often goes undetected for months, or sometimes years! The Real Risk: One Person With Too Much Control In many small businesses, one employee ends up handling: Deposits Invoices Vendor payments Bank reconciliations Record keeping When that happens, you don’t have visibility. You have blind spots. And blind spots are where fraud grows. This isn’t about assuming someone is dishonest. It’s about recognizing that weak internal controls for small business  create opportunity. Good people can make bad decisions when opportunity and pressure meet. Common Signs of Employee Theft in a Small Business Most owners don’t initially call it fraud. They call it: “Cash flow problems” “Accounting errors” “Sloppy bookkeeping” “We must be having a slow month” But here are some actual signs of employee theft : Missing invoices or shredded paperwork Employees unwilling to take vacation One person refusing to share financial duties Delays in financial reporting Bank statements not reviewed by the owner Lifestyle changes that don’t match salary These warning signs often appear long before an arrest ever happens. How to Prevent Employee Theft Before It Starts You don’t need a corporate compliance department to reduce fraud risk. You do need basic safeguards. If you’re serious about how to prevent employee theft , start here: Separate financial duties whenever possible Review bank statements personally — even briefly Rotate responsibilities occasionally Require mandatory vacations Conduct periodic independent reviews Small changes in oversight dramatically reduce opportunity. Trust is important in business. But trust without verification creates risk. Why Small Business Owners Miss It Most small business owners are focused on: Sales Customers Hiring Operations Fraud prevention often feels uncomfortable. It feels like accusing someone. But reviewing financial activity is not accusation. It’s protection. And in most cases of fraud in small business , owners later say: “I had a feeling something was off.” Ignoring that instinct is expensive. A Simple First Step If you’ve ever wondered whether your business has financial blind spots, don’t wait for proof. You don’t need certainty to improve safeguards. I’ve created a free Fraud Prevention Checklist for Small Business Owners  that helps you pressure-test your current systems. Download it here: 👉 blevinsassociates.com/fraud-checklist It’s practical. Clear. No technical jargon. Just the essentials every small business should have in place. Final Thought Most small business fraud isn’t dramatic. It’s quiet. And the earlier you look, the easier it is to stop. If you’d like a confidential conversation about reducing fraud risk in your business, reach out. That’s what I do.

When your bookkeeper has all  the control… your bank account becomes their playground. For this week’s Fraud Friday, I’m resurfacing one of the most important cases I’ve covered, as too many small businesses still make the same mistake: One person handled the books. The deposits. The bank statements. The vendor payments. And over time… tens of thousands quietly disappeared. Here’s the real warning: Fraud doesn’t start with a mastermind. It starts with access + trust + zero oversight. If you’re a small business owner, especially if you’ve “always done it this way” - this 2-minute video is worth your time. 👉 Watch the Fraud Friday case here: 👉 Then ask yourself: Who has too much control in your  business? If something feels off, or if you want a quick sanity check on your internal controls, I’m always happy to talk. #FraudFriday #SmallBusiness #OccupationalFraud #InternalControls #Embezzlement #BookkeeperFraud #FraudPrevention #BlevinsAssociatesConsulting #CFE #RiskManagement

Last week, I had the honor of standing alongside Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte as he presented an official Proclamation declaring November 16–22, 2025  as International Fraud Awareness Week  in the City of Palm Springs. The proclamation was issued publicly during the DBA Learns workshop: Outsmarting the Scammers , a session led jointly by Matt Howe and me as part of the Desert Business Association’s education program. It was a powerful moment, not just for us as presenters, but for the entire community. Palm Springs made a clear and public statement: Fraud prevention matters. Our community cares. And our city is paying attention! Why This Proclamation Matters International Fraud Awareness Week is an annual global initiative focused on reducing the impact of fraud through education, prevention, and stronger internal controls. When a city publicly recognizes Fraud Week, it signals a commitment to: Strengthening public trust Protecting taxpayer dollars Increasing awareness of scams and occupational fraud Encouraging local businesses to adopt stronger safeguards Fraud is not an abstract concept. It hits cities, taxpayers, homeowners, and small businesses every single year. Palm Springs stepping up and acknowledging this risk is both responsible and forward-thinking. Fraud Against City Governments: A Growing Problem Nationwide Government entities, especially municipalities, are consistent targets for fraud. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) reports that: Government and public administration organizations suffer a median loss of $150,000 per fraud case Occupational fraud lasts an average of 12–18 months before detection Lack of internal controls is the #1 contributing factor Cities are common targets for: Billing and vendor fraud Payment-approval manipulation Payroll schemes Purchasing card (P-Card) abuse Falsified expense reimbursements Misappropriation of restricted funds Cities that have suffered fraud losses in recent years range from small towns to major metropolitan areas, and the fallout is always the same: axpayer money is lost, public trust is eroded, and recovery is slow and expensive. This is why proclamations like the one issued by Palm Springs are more than symbolic. They reinforce a commitment to protecting public resources and making fraud prevention a visible civic priority. The Role of Local Business & Community Education Our DBA Learns session — Outsmarting the Scammers  — addressed two critical angles of fraud: 1. Consumer and Cyber Scams Matt Howe provided actionable steps individuals and families can use to avoid increasingly sophisticated scams targeting residents. 2. Occupational Fraud Inside Small Businesses I walked attendees through real examples of internal fraud, common red flags, and practical steps business owners can take immediately to reduce risk. The proclamation made during our event underscored something the business community already knows: Fraud doesn’t just happen “somewhere else.” It happens in every city, every industry, and every size organization. And awareness is the first line of defense. More Live Workshops Coming — Stay Tuned The Palm Springs proclamation was an important milestone, but the work doesn’t stop there. We are continuing the momentum with additional live workshops in December and January , focusing on: Scam prevention for consumers Fraud risk management for small businesses Practical internal controls Steps leaders can take to reduce the risk of employee theft Why transparency and proper oversight protect everyone, including taxpayers Dates and registration details will be announced shortly. A Final Thought Fraud is a community issue, not just a business issue. When a city takes fraud prevention seriously, it strengthens local institutions, supports the business community, and protects the people who call it home. I’m grateful to the City of Palm Springs, the DBA, Matt Howe, and everyone who joined us this week to make International Fraud Awareness Week more than a slogan, but a catalyst for real action. Stay tuned for our upcoming workshops, and let’s continue building a safer, more fraud-resistant community together.

You trust your vendors. They deliver materials, provide services, and send invoices. In theory, you pay them in a timely manner and all is well. But what if one of those invoices is fake? Or the vendor is colluding with one of your employees to overbill you month after month? That’s vendor fraud. It's one of the most common, costly, and least-detected  types of business fraud. The losses aren’t always obvious, but over time they drain profits, distort financials, and quietly erode your trust. The Ugly Truth About Vendor Fraud Small businesses are especially vulnerable because they often lack strict internal controls or segregation of duties. A single person may approve vendors, process invoices, and reconcile accounts, which makes it easy for manipulation to go unnoticed. As a Certified Fraud Examiner, I see the same patterns repeat themselves across different industries. The names change, but the schemes don’t. Here are some of the most common vendor fraud tactics: 1. Fake Vendors An employee sets up a bogus company, submits invoices for “services,” and pockets the payments. The fraud might continue for years, until someone finally questions why “ABC Consulting” has no real address or website. 2. Overbilling and Duplicate Invoicing A real vendor submits inflated or duplicate invoices, counting on your accounting team not to notice. Without proper cross-checks, you could easily pay twice, or pay for work never done. 3. Kickbacks This is where an internal employee and an outside vendor strike a deal. The vendor charges inflated prices, and the employee gets a “cut” under the table. It’s corruption, plain and simple, and it’s more common than most owners realize. 4. Product Substitution Vendors deliver cheaper or inferior goods than what was agreed upon, billing you for higher-quality items. Unless someone inspects the shipments closely, you’re paying for something you didn’t receive. 5. Bid Rigging and Collusion When multiple vendors coordinate to fix prices or manipulate bids, your “competitive” process becomes a sham. This often happens in construction, professional services, or procurement-heavy industries. How to Protect Your Business Vendor fraud isn’t random. It thrives where oversight is weak. Here’s how to fight back: 1. Vet Every Vendor Verify tax IDs, addresses, and ownership. Cross-check new vendor information with your employee list to make sure you’re not paying a company owned by one of your own people. 2. Separate Duties No one person should control vendor setup, invoice approval, and payment. Rotate responsibilities periodically to deter fraud and catch errors early. 3. Review Invoices Critically Watch for: Round-dollar invoices (no cents) Sequential invoice numbers Vague descriptions like “consulting services” or “miscellaneous work”. These are red flags worth digging into. 4. Audit Vendor Payments Regularly Run reports by vendor name, address, and bank account number. Duplicate matches are often the first clue of a problem. 5. Create a Speak-Up Culture Make it safe for employees to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Many fraud cases are uncovered through tips, not audits. You may consider using a third party a whistleblower may feel more comfortable using. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late Vendor fraud doesn’t usually start big. It normally starts with a single fake invoice or a friendly “favor” that grows into something much worse. Once the pattern sets in, losses compound quickly. If something doesn’t feel right with your payables, trust your instincts and get a professional opinion before it becomes a six-figure problem. Need Help? At Blevins Associates Consulting , we specialize in helping small and mid-sized businesses uncover and prevent occupational fraud, including vendor and billing schemes. If you suspect a problem, or want to strengthen your internal controls, let’s talk. Schedule a confidential consultation at www.blevinsassociates.com  or contact me directly to discuss your situation.

Churches and nonprofits run on trust. That’s exactly why fraud can hide in plain sight. When one person controls donations, bookkeeping, and reconciliations, it isn’t “helpful”. It’s high risk. Here’s how embezzlement happens, what boards miss, and a simple oversight checklist you can put in place this week. A (very real) pattern we see One person handles donations + deposits + accounting Bank statements arrive to that same person No second set of eyes on reconciliations Board reports are summarized, not verified. Small gaps compound. Over months or years, “rounding errors,” “temporary loans,” and “cash-handling shortcuts” become six-figure losses that devastate ministries and community trust. Red flags (that look like “efficiency”) Consolidated control:  same person records donations, makes deposits, and posts to the ledger Missing documentation:  deposit slips without batch summaries; no donor roll-up to bank deposits Statement custody:  bank statements routed to operations, not the treasurer/board Vague reports:  totals without detail (no variance to budget, no prior-period trend) Resistance to oversight:  “We’re too small for that,” “No time for double work,” “Donors wouldn’t understand” The fix: split key duties. Even in small organizations. You don’t need a big staff - you need two people touching the high-risk steps. Count & record donations: two people sign a batch sheet Deposit by Person A; ledger entry by Person B Bank statements go directly to the treasurer/board chair Monthly reconciliation prepared by staff; reviewed & signed by a board member Variance report to the board: actual vs budget, last month, last year Annual external look: review or audit, fraud risk analysis Board Oversight Checklist (printable) Statements delivered to a board member (not staff) Two-person donation count + signed batch sheet Deposit-to-donor reconciliation (batch roll-ups tie to bank) Monthly bank reconciliation with a board signature Variance reporting with explanations of >10% swings Policy on conflicts & personal reimbursements (with receipts) External review/Audit annually or fraud risk analysis; rotate reviewer every 2–3 years What to do this week Reroute statements to the treasurer (physical + e-delivery) Assign a board reviewer for reconciliations & variance reports Pilot the two-person count this weekend (simple batch sheet) Schedule a 20-minute call to scope an external review/fraud risk analysis. Download our Board Oversight Packet Here: Get our free Fraud Prevention Checklist Here . Want to discuss your situation? Give us a call, send an email, or book a time on our calendar here .

By Michael Blevins, CFE — Blevins Associates Consulting When Fraud Comes From the Outside We often talk about fraud as an “inside job,” but sometimes the threat comes from outside the business. In Southern California, a USPS worker was accused of stealing mail containing checks  — part of a troubling increase in mail theft across the region. Stolen checks are rarely cashed as-is. Instead, they are often altered for higher amounts  or used to gain access to bank accounts. This can devastate both individuals and small businesses. Why This Matters for Small Businesses If your business still mails paper checks, you’re at risk: Outgoing checks  can be intercepted, stolen, and altered. Incoming payments  may never reach your office or bank. Delayed reconciliations  make it harder to spot missing payments quickly. In today’s environment, relying on the mail for critical payments exposes you to unnecessary fraud risk. Red Flags to Watch For Customers or vendors saying they mailed a check, but it never arrives. Duplicate or altered check numbers showing up on your bank statements. Unexplained payment delays or shortages in expected cash flow. What You Can Do Switch to secure electronic payments  for vendors and customers. Monitor your accounts daily  for unusual or missing items. Reconcile monthly  to spot irregularities before they snowball. Use lockboxes or secure P.O. boxes  if you must receive checks by mail. Watch Fraud Friday We break down the USPS worker case — and what it means for small businesses — in this week’s Fraud Friday video: 👉 Watch Fraud Friday: USPS Mail Theft Take Action Today Fraud is expensive, but prevention doesn’t have to be. ✅ Download the free Fraud Prevention Checklist  to identify simple fixes you can make today. 📍 If you’re in Southern California, we can be on-site to review your fraud risks without the added expense of air travel. Note: All defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted or having entered a plea.

By Michael Blevins, CFE — Blevins Associates Consulting Fraud Isn’t “Somewhere Else” - It’s Right Here in Southern California When most business owners think about fraud, they picture billion-dollar scandals splashed across national headlines. But the truth is, fraud happens right here in our own communities. In fact, recent cases across Southern California have shown just how vulnerable everyday businesses are — including dental practices, law firms, nonprofits, and even government offices . For a small or mid-sized business, one dishonest employee or one weak control can mean the difference between staying profitable and shutting the doors. Why Dental Offices Are at Risk Dental practices are particularly attractive targets for embezzlement and occupational fraud because of how their financial processes are structured: Patient payments  are often collected at the front desk, with one staff member handling cash, checks, and credit cards. Refunds and adjustments  are sometimes processed without adequate oversight. Inventory items  (like implants or whitening products) can be misused or siphoned off. Billing and scheduling software  can be manipulated if no one reviews exception reports. Without regular bank reconciliations  and clear separation of duties , small amounts can be skimmed over months or years — adding up to six-figure losses. The Same Red Flags Apply to Other Small Businesses While dental offices are a clear example, the same red flags show up in law firms, medical practices, distributors, nonprofits, and professional service firms across Southern California: One person controls receipts, deposits, and reconciliations . No one reviews bank or trust accounts  monthly. Vendor changes or invoices aren’t double-checked. Staff never take vacations or rotate duties . Fraud doesn’t discriminate by industry - it looks for opportunity. A Recent Example In one California dental office, an employee embezzled more than $200,000  over several years by taking small amounts from patient payments. Because there were no bank reconciliations and no separation of duties, the theft went undetected. We covered this story in our latest Fraud Friday video , which you can watch here: 👉 Fraud Friday: Dental Office Embezzlement What Business Owners Can Do Today Preventing fraud doesn’t require big budgets or complicated systems. The most effective safeguards are straightforward: Reconcile all accounts monthly, reviewed by someone independent. Separate duties so no single person controls an entire financial process. Require dual approval for refunds, voids, and vendor changes. Spot-check reports and encourage staff to take vacations. Ready to Get Ahead of Fraud? We’ve created a free tool to help you start: the Fraud Prevention Checklist . It takes just a few minutes to walk through but can highlight where your business might be vulnerable. 👉 Download the Fraud Prevention Checklist If you’re in Southern California and want a hands-on Fraud Risk Assessment or a CTAPP-readiness review for your law firm, reach out. We’re local, we understand the unique risks facing small businesses here, and we can be on-site without the added expense of air travel. #FraudFriday #FraudPrevention #DentalPractice #SoCal #SmallBusiness #InternalControls

Fraud is a word we hear often, but not all fraud is created equal.  At Blevins Associates Consulting, we specialize in helping organizations prevent, detect, and respond to occupational fraud. But as a trainer for Operation Shamrock and advocate for fraud awareness, we also dedicate time to educating the public about consumer fraud, which affects individuals and families every day. What Is Occupational Fraud? Occupational fraud refers to fraud committed by employees against their employer. It’s the most costly form of fraud for businesses, especially small and mid-sized organizations. Common types include: Asset misappropriation (e.g., stealing cash, inventory, or equipment) Corruption (e.g., bribery, conflicts of interest) Financial statement fraud (e.g., manipulating books to hide losses) These schemes are often long-running, hidden, and devastating. As Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs), we help companies uncover vulnerabilities through fraud risk assessments, internal control reviews, and employee training. Our goal is simple: stop fraud before it starts. What Is Consumer Fraud? Consumer fraud, on the other hand, targets individuals, not companies. It’s the kind of fraud that shows up in phishing emails, fake sweepstakes, or fraudulent calls pretending to be from the IRS. The most common consumer fraud schemes we see include: Phishing and identity theft Credit card and bank account fraud Medicare and health insurance scams Telemarketing and online shopping scams While anyone can be a victim, seniors are especially vulnerable. That’s why we offer community education events focused on empowering individuals, particularly older adults, to recognize and avoid these schemes and scams. A Dual Mission: Consulting and Community Education At Blevins Associates Consulting, we work with small and midsize businesses to mitigate the risk of occupational fraud. But we also believe fraud prevention is a community responsibility. That’s why we speak regularly on topics like: Consumer vs. Occupational Fraud – A clear breakdown of schemes and prevention strategies Fraud and the Senior Community – Tools to protect older adults from common scams What Is a Fraud Risk Assessment? And why every business should have one If your business, nonprofit, HOA, or senior group would like to host an educational session, we’d be glad to help. Below is list of topics we typically cover. Let’s Talk Whether you’re a business owner concerned about fraud inside your organization or a community leader looking to protect others from scams, Blevins Associates can support your mission. 📩 Contact us today at Michael@BlevinsAssociates.com 📞 Or call (760) 206-3717 🌐 www.BlevinsAssociates.com Together, we can fight fraud at every level. #OccupationalFraud #ConsumerFraud #FraudPrevention #FraudAwareness #InternalControls #SmallBusinessSecurity #ElderFraud #IdentityTheft #WhistleblowerProtection #CertifiedFraudExaminer #FraudRiskAssessment #OperationShamrock