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1. What is embezzlement?

Closely related to larceny, Embezzlement occurs when someone is placed in a position of trust and wrongfully takes, steals or uses property belonging to another. Should this be the case, they may be committing an offense of Embezzlement. Positions of trust include, but are not limited to, an office being held or simply your employment.

Examples of Embezzlement include:

• A cashier takes a portion of the sales for themselves
• The treasurer of an organization takes a portion of proceeds received at an event
• An employee uses a company credit card without permission to purchase gifts

2. What is not embezzlement?

If the person taking money or property did not have control of such items by virtue of their employment or trust, then they are committing a larceny, not Embezzlement.

3. What should I do if I am a victim of embezzlement?

1. You should file a police report with the jurisdiction in which the offense occurred. 
2. If it occurred in Loudoun County, then you may choose to file an online report.
3. Review any policies and make any necessary changes using the information you have learned about the incident.

The person suspected of the crime should have limited and monitored access to any records or documents.

4. What are some tips that I can use to avoid becoming the victim of embezzlement?

1. You can complete background checks before hiring an employee.
2. Keep track and monitor every company check.
3. Conduct regular audits of cash and property to assure accuracy.
4. Make nightly bank deposits, cash is very tempting and easy to steal.
5. You should understand your accounting books.
6. Separate duties; One of the most common ways for someone to embezzle is to take a little bit of cash that comes in and then adjust the records to hide it.
7. Consider requiring employees to take vacations; Even complex schemes require maintenance to assure they remain hidden. When employees are on vacation, you can see what happens when they are not around.