Episode #22 - The Key Indicators That You Could Be Being Embezzled with Dr. David Harris

Summary: Dental embezzlement is a controversial and touchy subject. Yet, two out of three dentists experience some form of embezzlement at some point in their careers. David Harris is dentistry’s embezzlement expert. He is the CEO of Prosperident a company that employs specially trained fraud examiners to review information off-site to determine if you or your practice has been a victim of embezzlement. David founded Prosperident in 1989. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner and a licensed private investigator. He is a CPA, and he belongs to several organizations for dental consultants and speakers. He’s also been interviewed by almost every leading publication about dental embezzlement. David has agreed to do this interview, but he can’t talk about specific methodology. Nevertheless, he opens our eyes about this often not talked about topic. You can find David here: <a href="https://www.prosperident.com/">Prosperident</a> (888)398-2327 Show Notes [03:06] David shares his origin story of how he got involved investigating dental embezzlement. It all started with a high school friend in 1989. [04:10] He helped his friend discover an employee who was stealing from him. This woman subsequently was fired. Two weeks later David went to his own dental office for an appointment and there she was working the front desk. [04:23] It may have been fate, but he told his new dentist what was happening. His new dentist hired him and that is how he began investigating dental embezzlement. [08:11] In 2007, the ADA asked embezzlement victims what let them know they had a problem? Two thirds of embezzlement cases were discovered by behavioral factors. [12:54] Some people steal because they are needy and need to pay the mortgage or have other family financial problems. Greedy people are a little bit different. They steal to address an emotional problem. [15:45] How the first theft often happens by accident. They also use different methods, so they won't get caught or won't be as obvious. [17:51] Embezzlers tend to be territorial about their work space and their computer. They are also reluctant to go on vacation. They don't want other people touching their stuff. [19:08] Embezzlers panic when they see a consultant walk in the door. [20:09] Embezzlers also resist upgrades to the practice management software. They are also risk takers. They do things that are high risk behavior. [22:15] The vast majority of David's investigative work is done covertly. A lot of the work is done through the cloud. [23:55] The overwhelming majority of team members are honest people. [24:25] David's advice is to retain them covertly. [25:38] Honest people don't have to repeatedly tell you how honest they are. [26:49] The pressures for somebody to steal are pretty complex. They don't usually stop unless they are caught. [27:27] There are serial embezzlers who work in one office get fired and then get a job in another office.

Episode #22 - The Key Indicators That You Could Be Being Embezzled with Dr. David Harris

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