#Fraud
Queensland director jailed on fraud charges
Former company director, Christopher Edward Eric Skelly, of Lark Hill, Queensland, has been sentenced to imprisonment on one charge of fraud after an investigation by ASIC. Mr Skelly was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment, to be eligible for parole after 21 months. Mr Skelly, a former director of C & G Group […]
Qld company fined $4.25m for encouraging clients to exploit the R&D tax offset scheme
A Queensland company that secured millions in tax refunds for clients by exploiting the R&D tax incentive program has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $4.25 million fine to the Commissioner of Taxation. The Commissioner commenced action last year against Australian R&D Funds and Grants Services Pty Ltd, now known as International […]
Has your business planning outgrown Excel?
Microsoft Excel enjoys global superiority as the go to electronic spreadsheet for financial management and data collation. This status is well deserved as the business application has given in excess of 30 years of admirable and loyal service in helping companies track, forecast, analyse, and manipulate a wide range of business data. Despite its excellent […]
How blockchain will change the way small- to medium-sized enterprises carry out business
The increased use and application of blockchain technology is set to disrupt companies of all sizes, across all industries, and in almost every area, from payments and transactions to contracts and identity verification. Small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will not be immune to the disruption. Blockchain technology was created to facilitate online payments via a […]
How Atlassian’s co-CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes came to terms with feeling like an imposter
Mike Cannon-Brookes, the tech billionaire in the hat and the hoodie, has spoken candidly about his struggle with imposter syndrome while at the helm of runaway start-up success Atlassian. In his TEDxSydney address on Friday (16 June), the Atlassian co-CEO and co-founder described imposter syndrome as the “feeling of being well, well out of your […]
A step-by-step guide to protecting your SME against brand damage on social media
In a world where social media is (almost) everything, there is no denying the benefits of an engaging online presence for your business. More than 1 in 10 surveyed Australians have now shopped via a social media platform[1]. Successful social media strategies allow small businesses to convert customers to unofficial, yet involved, brand ambassadors who […]
How small businesses are vulnerable to fraud
A small business is more than a bottom line for an owner; it is often their heart, soul and passion. By taking the plunge and setting up and running a small business, all your time and energy becomes focused on making your life’s dream a success. However, with all of your energy invested in your […]
Six rookie mistakes to avoid in e-commerce
Usually, the first couple of years in business are an exercise in trial and error. Running an e-commerce business, though easier and cheaper to set up, is no different. Note: This article is the seventh in a multi-part series by Chris Dahl, providing guidance on setting up an ecommerce business. Read the rest: Ecommerce success begins […]
Prove you’re not a sitting duck for hackers
The Internet has affected how we learn, work and live. It is inseparable from almost everything we do nowadays. Businesses, even small ones, now rely on tools requiring a connection to the Internet. For instance, the Point-of-Sale machine has completely replaced manual cash registers, allowing payment via debit card and credit cards. Sales and payment […]
Understanding the risks of selling online
As with any online activity, running an ecommerce business can leave you exposed to a variety of risks. Before you launch your new venture, take some time to understand the risks of selling online, and how best to deal with them. [Note: This article is Part 4 in a seven-part series by Chris Dahl providing an […]
“I don’t deserve to be here”: the prevalence of imposter syndrome among successful leaders
‘Corrine’ is a hard worker who consistently smashes her KPIs. Over time, she becomes invaluable to her employer, who rewards her by promoting her to a position of authority. It’s a well-deserved win – simply put, she’s the best person for the job. Corrine, however, doesn’t agree. She believes she has tricked her way into the C-suite and […]
To mitigate fraud, bribery and corruption risk, SME leaders must foster a desirable culture
Given that staff tend to take their cue from what management does, rather than what it says, companies that encourage questionable workplace practices from the top down can end up being their own worst enemies. By encouraging employees to take shortcuts or by demonstrating a lack of oversight, businesses can become victims and, sometimes, unwitting […]
Fraud case highlights need for due diligence
Mark Steven Grevsmuhl, the superannuation fraudster who swindled 74 people, including friends and family out of $6 million, has been hit with a permanent ban by ASIC. The ban means Grevsmuhl is prohibited from providing financial services and engaging in credit activities. This follows his conviction of multiple counts of fraud in Brisbane District Court on […]
Aussies have lost $45 million to scams this year
45,743 complaints regarding scams have been received this year and an overall loss of $45,902,666 has been registered.
Surprise visits crack down on phoenix businesses
The ATO has sprung surprise visits on business and residential sites across Sydney in an effort to tackle widespread phoenix activity.
High number of Indigenous Australians lose to scammers
Approximately one third of Indigenous Australians that were targeted by scammers went on to lose money, a figure that more than doubles the amount of non-Indigenous consumers.
Aussies lost over $80 million to scams last year
91,637 took to the ACCC with complaints of scams in 2014, resulting in an accumulated loss of $81,832,793.
Fortifying business through fraud resistance
In Australia, fraud costs business and government a mind-bending $5.8 billion each year, making fraud responsible for one-third of the nation’s overall crime costs.
Small business and fraud: What to look out for
Many small business owners believe that their business is too small to be targeted by fraudsters and scammers. This could not be further from the truth.
Whether you’re a florist or a lawyer, shred documents
Regardless of how innocuous a document may seem, all business owners are being warned to shred all paper-based confidential documents ahead of National Identity Fraud Awareness Week (October 12-18).
Telstra warns of four-fold increase in telephone scams
Telstra is reminding customers across Australia to be wary of scammers who attempt to obtain their personal information via telephone.
Update your cyber counter strike strategy for 2014
A comprehensive and tailored approach to protecting your business against online attacks has become as necessary as locking the door to your house.
Be wary of ecommerce scams this season
As consumers look to avoid the crowds in shopping centres, the number of shoppers heading online for Christmas continues to grow.
Signature for payments to be phased out
Australia’s major financial institutions and card providers have today announced a campaign to expand the use of PIN for payment authorisations on chip-enabled credit and debit cards, instead of a signature.