Sad case…

Yesterday I was involved in data analysis related to active investigation of theft at a customer’s business.  The evidence was almost on the surface, transactions were increasing exponentially, and reached their peak by Christmas time.  While having to work mostly the night shift, the person was running bogus transactions at a rate of 180 a month.  By mid January it was all over, and now this poor sole is awaiting trial.  But the business will demand retribution for all the stolen money.  The sad part is that there are so many people who believe that steeling is the way to go.  Especially when the chosen method is not so primitive, and does require preparation and methodical execution.  If only people like that could use their skills and creativity in a positive way…

Wishful thought!  A friend of mine is attending management classes, and one of his instructors told him that 25 to 35% of employees, when starting a new job, always try to find a way to defraud the employer.  This attempt manifests itself usually through direct or indirect theft.  The case above is obviously a direct theft.  But in the case of indirect theft the percentage of employees is understated.  Well, that’s a topic of a different post ;)