Hot Topics

Smash, Grab & Run

January 28, 2019 by SDC CPAs LLC

High-end jewelry and precious gems top the list of targets for organized and opportunistic criminals. Grab-and-run losses are all too common in the jewelry industry.  Jewel thieves typically use overt and covert surveillance to gather intelligence before committing their crime. They rely on speed, distraction, store layout, and lax security procedures. While it may be...

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Local Versus Global Brand for Auditing Firms

December 5, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

On March 8, 2017, the Wall Street Journal published an article about KPMG being under fire for scandals in the U.S., South Africa, and the U.K. Although KPMG does face trouble on three fronts, the scandals involve three legally separate firms:

  • KPMG, LLP, a New York-based U.S. partnership, is dealing with the indictment of...
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Recent Ruling: Medidata Solutions, Inc. v. Federal Ins. Co.

November 7, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

The case Medidata Solutions, Inc. v. Federal Ins. Co. involved a fraudulent impersonation scheme and an alleged entry into the insured’s computer system. The case involved a series of events seen all too often. The court’s ruling presents a peek into the intricacies of analyzing coverage in traditional computer fraud claims. It is important to...

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Computer Fraud Trends

October 18, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

Since May 2000, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received more than 4 million complaints. Incidences of internet crime are steadily increasing. In 2013, IC3 received 262,813 complaints, with a reported loss amount of $781.8 million. In 2017, IC3 received 301,580 complaints, with a reported losses of $1.4 billion.

Tracking the Trends

IC3...

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Would Your Employees Pass This Test?

September 29, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

No company wants to become the next Sony or Target. Hacks affecting high-profile companies have caused major headlines and businesses have become increasingly wary. Data shows phishing emails are often the entry points for hackers. Employees who click on links in scam emails could potentially unleash malware or provide access to fraudsters.

Canada ranks second...

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Scratch & Scam: Lottery Losses

August 13, 2018 by DM Studler

At today’s convenience stores and gas stops, customers can fuel their cars, pick up a quick snack or cup of coffee, and take a chance at winning millions. Convenience stores and gas stops make a steady income from the sale of lottery tickets and online lottery sales. The lottery sales are also a draw to...

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Scientia Potentia Est (Knowledge is Power)

July 18, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

The 2018 Global Study on Occupational Fraud and Abuse is hot off the press – and it’s an important resource for anyone interested in occupational fraud. The report includes valuable information on how fraud is committed, how it’s detected, who commits it, and how organizations can protect themselves. Compiled by the Association of Certified Fraud...

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Contacting the Police

June 7, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

A recent study by the University of Cincinnati found 64% of small businesses surveyed to have experienced employee theft. The study surveyed 314 small business owners in Cincinnati in a range of industries: finance and banking, manufacturing, service, and restaurant and retail. Despite the high number of incidences of employee theft, only 16% of those...

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Non-Profits – Easy Targets for Fraudsters

May 1, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

Caring Hands was a non-profit organization providing mental health care and substance abuse rehabilitation services in Pennsylvania. Ms. Graham, one of Caring Hands’ social workers, visited clients’ homes to provide social services for families and children. Ms. Graham would compile case notes and information for families and children and submit timesheets to Caring...

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Inventory 101

April 26, 2018 by SDC CPAs LLC

When a company’s inventory count comes up short, the hunt for the missing inventory begins. Are employees are stealing from the warehouse in the middle of the night? Is a dishonest bookkeeper recording fictitious purchases and pocketing the difference? Possibly. But while employee theft may be the reason, less nefarious causes might be...

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