If you work for an employer in accounting and have started to notice some odd incoming or outgoing expenses, you might start putting together a file and copies to take to your boss. You want them to know if someone is misusing or misappropriating company assets.
If you’ve done this but then found yourself at the center of an accusation of embezzling funds yourself, you need to take the accusations seriously. While you might have had the best intentions bringing the issues to light, you could also have put yourself in a difficult situation where you’re going to be accused of trying to cover up a crime you committed yourself by making it seem like it’s another person’s fault. There is also a risk, too, that calling your employer out on committing a crime could lead to them calling the police on you and starting an unfair campaign against you.
False allegations of embezzlement have to be taken seriously
You know what has or has not happened, so be truthful with your attorney when you contact them. If you feel that you’re being set up to take the fall or you have evidence of embezzlement or fraud taking place, keep any evidence you have close at hand. You deserve an opportunity to defend yourself and to take your employer to court yourself if you can prove that they knowingly brought a false case against you.
Do you need to participate in an investigation when it occurs?
The moment you realize that you’re being investigated for fraud or embezzlement, you need to know your rights. You should not speak with investigators or the police without getting information about what to do from your attorney. If you say something or do something you shouldn’t, you could be damaging your own case.
Be cautious if you’re revealing a criminal scheme
If you plan to accuse your employer of embezzlement or have someone else you believe is committing fraud that you’d like to report, consider talking to your attorney first. They may be able to take steps to protect you before you make the allegations public.