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How about learning all about fraud in the company? In this content, as well as understanding what fraud is, you will also learn how to identify, prevent and deal with this risk.
The concept of fraud, in general, is associated with acting in bad faith, with a view to obtaining a benefit for oneself by harming someone else in the process. It can occur in different ways and situations, including in a company.
In this post, check out the concept of fraud, according to the law, and how it happens in the business world. You'll also learn about some of the best solutions for avoiding fraud. Happy reading!
Fraud: what is it and how does it apply to a company?
Before learning how it applies, it's important to better define the concept of fraud, differentiating its types. This is because the concept of "fraud" is also very close, but it is not the same thing.
In a fraud, the victim loses an asset to the fraudster, often without even knowing how it happened. One example is when someone's details are stolen and the fraudster uses them to open a credit card and buy in stores.
Embezzlement, on the other hand, involves a process of tricking the victim into giving them what they want of their own free will. In Civil Code, article 171, it is defined as:
Obtaining, for oneself or for others, an illicit advantage, to the detriment of others, by misleading or maintaining someone in error, through artifice, ruse, or any other fraudulent means.
This is the case with certain digital crimes. For example, a person receives a message saying that in order to get a prize they have "won", they need to pay X reais. They then make a pix to the fraudster and lose the money, being cheated out of a fake prize.
In fact, this type of crime has become so common that the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook found that between 2022 and 2023, online fraud grew by 13.6%.
As for the penalty, the Civil Code provides for imprisonment of 1 to 5 years, as well as a fine, for embezzlement. The same applies to fraud of various kinds, for example, check payment fraud, when a person gives a check without funds.
Fraud in companies
Fraud in the company can occur in many ways. Check out some of them below!
- Conflict of interest, with the person favoring a third party or using information from their position for themselves.
- Fictitious expenses, with the aim of embezzling money or receiving reimbursement for an amount greater than that owed.
- Peculato, such as appropriating a company asset.
- Corruption, with ghost employees or accepting bribes and proposals from them.
- Tax evasion, using incorrect or undeclared data in order to pay less tax.
- Sabotage, with an employee damaging the company's operations.
- Purposeful and costly waste of resources, such as someone using a corporate car for personal use when they don't have permission to do so.
How to prevent and deal with fraud in the corporate environment?
Just as there are frauds, there are also ways to prevent them. Here are some practical ways.
Run prevention campaigns
One of the simplest things you can do to prevent fraud in your company is to raise employee awareness. After all, various acts can be characterized as fraud, but people are not always aware of their illegality, and are even unaware of the penalties and the law.
It is therefore important to create means of instruction, so that every employee knows the law and understands what practices are considered fraudulent, with a view to avoiding them. This is especially essential if they are working with sensitive aspects, such as customer data and financial transactions.
Perform the integrity test
One of the best ways to prevent fraud is through an integrity test. Whether it's to select a new candidate or change someone's position, its aim is to identify unethical conduct on the part of the person, which could lead them to commit fraud.
When carrying out tests, such as the PIRIn this way, it is possible to gather important data and make better decisions about candidate selection. In practice, the company can prevent not only fraud, but also a toxic environment, harassment and negative behavior.
Look for an investigation service
Even with the integrity test in place, the company is not 100% free from fraud. What if one does happen? For that, you need a good research. After all, it can happen through a person's misconduct, but also through harassment and pressure from a superior.
In this case, you can apply the S2 Consultoria. With 84% of success in the cases of more than 450 clients, we carry out a complete process, which includes:
- forensic interviews;
- in-depth analysis of complaints;
- research and diagnosis;
- investigative interviews;
- use of monitoring equipment.
In addition, we have interviewers trained by the Institute for Behavioral Risk ResearchThey are trained to analyze information and apply methodologies that lead to the resolution of cases.
Committing fraud is a crime and can bring serious damage everyone. In a company, they not only damage operations and earnings, but also compromise credibility. It is therefore necessary to prevent them with awareness campaigns, but also with solutions such as integrity testing and the investigation of complaints. In this way, the company takes concrete measures that inhibit harmful behavior, solve problems and prevent future cases.
