How Forensic Accounting Protects Southwest Florida Businesses from Fraud

Fraud can strike businesses of any size — and the damage can be devastating. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reports that small businesses lose an average of 5% of annual revenue to fraud.

At MarkhamNorton in Fort Myers, our forensic accounting team specializes in uncovering fraud and strengthening internal controls.

Common Types of Business Fraud

1. Embezzlement – Employees diverting funds for personal use.

2. Payroll Fraud – Inflated hours, ghost employees, or misclassified workers.

3. Vendor Fraud – Kickbacks, fake invoices, or inflated billing.

4. Financial Statement Fraud – Misreporting to secure loans or hide losses.

How Forensic Accounting Helps

• Fraud Detection – Identify irregularities in transactions or reporting.

• Fraud Prevention – Implement controls to reduce risk.

• Litigation Support – Provide evidence and testimony when fraud cases go to court.

Proactive Steps for Business Owners

• Separate financial duties among staff.

• Require dual approvals for large transactions.

• Conduct surprise audits.

FAQ

Q: How often should businesses perform fraud risk assessments?A: Annually, or sooner if red flags appear in financial reporting.

Q: Can forensic accountants testify in court?A: Yes, CPAs at MarkhamNorton are trained to provide expert witness testimony.

Protect your business from fraud with forensic accounting services from MarkhamNorton in Fort Myers.

Schedule a confidential fraud risk consultation today.