A Fall From Grace

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dwayne McSwain PhD, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: A visit with Mickey Mouse was one of the last things members of Small Town Church imagined their tithes would finance. However, that is exactly what happened when Grace Grifter, the church’s secretary and bookkeeper, embezzled more than $100,000 over a four-year period. Fraud scourges all sectors of the economy, including nonprofit entities. In fact, it may even come as a surprise to learn that nonprofit organizations tend to be more susceptible to fraud, considering their altruistic missions. However, this increased susceptibility is often due to the trusting cultures and limited staff sizes typical of smaller nonprofits. Fraud detection and prevention help minimize and avoid loss of revenue and damage to an organization’s reputation and employee morale. It also allows the organization to maintain focus on its mission. This article presents an example of how credit card fraud can occur in a small organization and the steps that can be taken to help mitigate any such future risks.

Additional Information

Publication
McSwain, M., Wukich, J., & McSwain, D. (2015). A Fall From Grace. Internal Auditing, March/April 2015. Volume 30, No. 2, 36-40. NC Docks permission to re-print granted by author(s).
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
embezzlement, nonprofit entities, credit card fraud, fraud

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