Don Krohn has seen a lot fraud throughout his career.
The Anchorage based security officer for First National Bank Alaska said Tuesday at the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce meeting that embezzlement, credit card fraud and check fraud is preventable if people know the signs.
Krohn used to work in the white collar crime unit for the Anchorage Police Department. In his first year at First National, the crime rate at the bank dropped drastically, he said.
"Now that we've got these things under control in our house, I need you to have this information," he said.
Krohn said often, law enforcement agencies are so busy they will not take a case unless at least $100,000 has been lost. The best solution is not to let fraud happen, he said.
To help prevent credit card fraud he said people should look for customers who make purchases without regard to size style, color or price.
Often, these people will make purchases at quitting time or during busy hours, he said.
It is important for clerks to compare signatures on sales slips and the credit cards, he said.
Embezzlement is completely preventable, he said. Business-owners should have bank statements mailed to them — not bookkeepers, he said.
With improved technology, Krohn said check fraud is one of the biggest challenges businesses face.
He suggested creating a file of all fraudulent names, card numbers and company names encountered.
Signature verification also can do a lot to prevent check fraud, he said. Checks should not be pre-signed and people should never sign them with rubber stamps, he said.
"If you're a victim of identity theft, you're a victim for life," he said.
To spread the word about fraud prevention and better equip businesses to stop fraud before it happens, the Kenai and Soldotna chambers are jointly hosting a seminar held by Krohn from 9 a.m. to noon March 18 at the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska, 9711 Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai. The topic is protecting business from fraud.
The cost of the seminar is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers.
For more information or to purchase a ticket, call the Kenai chamber at 283-7989 or Soldotna chamber at 262-9814.
Krohn said this seminar is not for bookkeepers.
