It’s difficult to know who is going to commit fraud at a company. In 89% of internal fraud cases (fraud committed by employees of a company), the perpetrator was never previously charged or convicted of a fraud-related offense. So there is very little direct evidence that someone is more likely to commit fraud when they come to work for you.

That is why we look for red flags… signs that someone may be more likely to engage in fraud. We call these personal red flags of fraud, and there are literally hundreds of them that could indicate a greater propensity toward fraud. While companies have to be careful in the hiring process to not discriminate against protected classes, they most certainly can consider legal troubles (particularly of a financial nature) when hiring someone who is going to have access and/or control over budgets and money.

This topic came to my attention as the City of Milwaukee encounters an interesting turn in their quest to hire a new Health Commissioner. One of two finalists for the position, Jeanette Kowalik, has had some significant financial troubles that were reported yesterday in the local newspaper. Ms. Koawalik filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in both 2003 and 2014. Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the filer to clear unsecured debts, but not debts secured with collateral (like a home) or student loans. She also lost a home to foreclosure in 2014. Continue reading