In the course of providing nationwide QuickBooks consulting, I have encountered growing instances of fraud and embezzlement.  It concerns me greatly.  The Texas Meeting hosted the premier of For Your Eyes (and Ears) Only, a course created for practice owners and spouses only in an effort to bring awareness to often overlooked areas.

This survey originated Spring 2007 but is ongoing.  Here's why -  though we would all agree as to certain details that need to be in place to prevent embezzlement, maybe there is something we are missing.

Please provide brief details about the embezzlement you have encountered as a consultant, or office employee, or practice owner or spouse.  Do not use real names of the victims or the practice or the embezzler (though tempting, I’m sure).   When you are finished, click Submit at the bottom of the survey and I will be emailed the results.

If you are not receiving my email newsletters, be sure to sign up on the Home Page.  These newsletters will share the results so we can all learn from one another.

Thanks so much in advance for your help and input. 

Susan Gunn
susan@susangunnsolutions.com
www.susangunnsolutions.com
 

Your Name (Optional)  

What was the embezzler's job description?

Describe briefly what and how the embezzlement took place. 

(How many months; how much money, services, or products; work  habits)

How was the embezzlement hidden?

How long did it continue before the embezzlement was discovered?

How was the embezzlement discovered?

 

Was the full amount recovered? Yes  No

Was the embezzler prosecuted?  Yes  No

If so, how and what was the result?

How many hours, approximately, did the practice owner invest in

discovery, prosecution and recovery from the embezzlement?

Select all true statements:

The practice completed a background check on the embezzler.

The practice phone called prior references and obtained a positive reference.

The embezzler handled all financial transactions.

There is a practice petty cash drawer.

The practice implemented passwords on the practice software and accounting software.

These passwords are known by the other staff members.

The practice owner regularly reviewed available reports prior to discovering the embezzlement.

The practice implemented patient comment surveys.

What has since been done to prevent future embezzlement from this practice?

Would you be willing to talk briefly to Susan on the telephone about this situation? (Anonymity is guaranteed, of course.)

If so, please provide a phone number where she may contact you. 

Additional Comments?