Protecting Your Business from Fraud and Theft in Queensland

As an employer, discovering that an employee has engaged in theft, misappropriation of funds or other fraudulent activities can be a devastating blow to your business. Not only do these actions result in financial losses, but they also undermine trust and can severely damage your company’s reputation. At Fox Piper, we understand the gravity of such situations and are dedicated to helping employers in Queensland navigate these complex legal challenges.

What is Fraud and Misappropriation?

Pursuing claims against fraudulent employees involves legal actions aimed at holding accountable those who engage in theft, misappropriation of funds or other fraudulent activities within an employment context. Legal definitions include various forms of fraud and the legal remedies available to businesses.

Dangers and Consequences

  • Financial Losses

    Employee fraud can result in substantial financial losses for your business, including theft of cash or goods, misappropriation of funds by electronic means (often by a bookkeeper), or submitting fraudulent expenses. These losses can impact profitability and cash flow, potentially jeopardising the financial health of your company.

  • Reputational Damage

    Discovering fraudulent activities within your organisation can severely damage your business’s reputation. For example, a bookkeeper may divert money supposed to be for suppliers or refunds to customers to a different account, leading to unknown debts and loss of trust among customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.

  • Operational Disruption

    Employee fraud can cause significant disruption to your business operations. It may divert management attention away from core business activities, leading to decreased productivity and potential internal conflicts or morale issues among employees.

            Resolve your dispute in 3 easy steps

            Step 1

            Submit Your Enquiry

            Provide us with details about your situation. We will assess to see how best we can help you. All enquiry submissions are confidential.

            Step 2

            Speak with a solicitor

            We will take the time to understand your circumstances and give you guidance.

            We will speak with you about your matter, give you options, and most importantly potential solutions.

            Step 3

            Post-consultation email

            We know that legal matters can be stressful and that our initial consultation can contain a lot of information. After our consultation we will send you an email with an overview and next steps so you have something to reflect upon and make a careful and considered decision.

            Why Fox Piper?

            At Fox Piper, we offer a comprehensive range of services to assist businesses in Queensland facing issues related to employee fraud:

            Our Services

            • Legal Assessment and Strategic Advice

              We provide expert legal assessment and strategic advice tailored to your business's specific circumstances. This includes evaluating your legal options, identifying the most effective courses of action and outlining potential outcomes.
            • Representation in Legal Proceedings

              Fox Piper provides strong representation in legal proceedings aimed at recovering financial losses due to employee fraud. We advocate on behalf of your business in negotiations, mediations and court hearings to achieve the best possible outcomes.
            • Asset Recovery Strategies

              We develop and implement asset recovery strategies to help businesses reclaim misappropriated funds and assets. This includes pursuing civil remedies such as freezing orders, asset tracing, and recovery through court processes.
            • Dispute Resolution and Settlement

              In cases where litigation is not the preferred option, we offer alternative dispute resolution services such as negotiation and settlement discussions to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively.

            Take the First Step

            Tell us about your dispute, and our team will assess your enquiry and guide you on possible next steps. We’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

            FAQs

            • What should I do if I suspect an employee is committing fraud?

              If you suspect employee fraud, it’s crucial to act promptly. Secure any evidence available and consult with our legal experts at Fox Piper to determine the best course of action.

            • What legal actions can I take against a fraudulent employee?

              Legal actions may include civil lawsuits to recover financial losses, reporting to law enforcement for criminal prosecution and seeking asset recovery through court proceedings.

            • How can Fox Piper help in recovering losses due to employee fraud?

              Fox Piper provides comprehensive legal services including conducting thorough investigations, assessing legal options and representing your business in recovery actions to maximise financial restitution.

            • What are the potential consequences for a business if employee fraud is not addressed?

              Consequences may include substantial financial losses, damage to business reputation, and loss of customer and supplier trust.

            • Is it necessary to involve lawyers in cases of suspected employee fraud?

              Involving experienced lawyers is essential to ensure proper handling of evidence, compliance with legal procedures and maximising the chances of successful recovery or prosecution.

            Source
            Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld)