International Fraud Awareness Week kicks off Nov. 13, 2022 worldwide Maryland– Fraud costs organizations worldwide an estimated 5 percent of their annual revenues, according to a study conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations analyzed 2,110 occupational fraud cases that caused a total loss of more than $3.6 billion. The seriousness of the global fraud problem is why Strategic Groups USA LLC announced that it will be participating in International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 13-19, 2022, as an official supporter to promote anti-fraud awareness and education. The movement, known commonly as Fraud Week, champions the need to proactively fight fraud and help safeguard business and investments from the growing fraud problem. Strategic Groups USA LLC joins hundreds of organizations who have partnered with the ACFE, the world's largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education, for the yearly Fraud Week campaign. During Fraud Week, SGU will engage in various activities, including: hosting fraud awareness training for employees and/or the community, conducting employee surveys to assess levels of fraud awareness within their organization, posting articles on company websites and in newsletters and teaming up with local media to highlight the problem of fraud. The best is the least we can do! “We are better together” ACFE president and CEO Bruce Dorris, J.D., CFE, CPA, said that the support of organizations around the world helps make Fraud Week an effective tool in raising anti-fraud awareness. “Fraud is an issue that unfortunately affects people from all walks of life around the world and it takes many forms,” said Dorris. “Whether it’s a trusted employee stealing from a small business, or organized rings of fraudsters targeting seniors in our community, most people know someone who’s been victimized by fraud. That’s why it’s so important for organizations to join in this fight together in order to raise awareness during this week. It is a serious problem that requires a proactive approach toward preventing it and educating people is the first step.” For more information about increasing awareness and reducing the risk of fraud during International Fraud Awareness Week, visit FraudWeek.com. STRATEGIC GROUPS USA LLC is a multifaceted Private Detective Agency & Private Security Guard / Executive Protection Agency, operating in Maryland/Washington DC, and internationally as Strategic Overseas Limited, based in FCT, Abuja Nigeria. Visit our US home: www.strategicgroupsusa.com Nigeria home: http://strategicoverseasltd.com.ng/ About the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Based in Austin, Texas, the ACFE is the world's largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. Together with more than 90,000 members, the ACFE is reducing business fraud worldwide and inspiring public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession. For more information, visit ACFE.com.

Every year businesses lose millions of dollars due to some form of a security breach. It may be burglary, employee theft, or physical / cyber fraud. Whatever the violation is, it negatively impacts the business financially as well as on its reputation. This is why we have put together a few tips to improve security for your business. 1.Train Your Employees The safety of your business lies in the hands of your employees. You need to have clear security objectives, then train your employees and make them understand your security policies as well as the response plan they should follow if something happens online or offline. Encourage your staff not to panic and guide them through the process. You can employ professionals to teach them, or you can show and tell them what they are supposed to do in a particular situation. 2.Share security details with a few. Don’t over-share security details with many people. Keep your circle tight and discuss security matters only with a handful of trustworthy people. You may never know what intentions the other person holds towards you and your business. 3.Incorporate Access Control With access control, you can quickly check the entry and exits of each employee especially if the employees have their unique access codes. There should be fewer keys for places with expensive equipment and sensitive information. Have your doors fitted with access control panels that require employees to swipe their cards to enter or exit the building? Also, make sure that employees return all the keys before leaving the building. 4.Change your doors, locks, and windows. Upgrade your doors and windows by using more robust material so that they can prevent break-ins of any kind. For locks, you should use high-quality industrial-grade locks so they can’t be broken easily by miscreants. If you are worried about window break-ins, then have locks on all windows and regularly check whether the locks work correctly or not. 5.Security Cameras Having security cameras at vulnerable spots is an excellent way to keep safe. It should be accessible through a computer or phone. Cameras can deter anyone who has ulterior motives and let them know that they are being watched. A camera in the store will also record any theft or burglary that happens and can be proof to law enforcement. These are some vulnerable spots which should be under video surveillance: •Near Cash registers & Vault •Storage rooms •Parking lot •Entry and Exit points. SGU has expertise in installing video cameras that are adjusted to the perfect angle. 6.Cyber-Security. Since most of the transactions happen online, it should be your priority to upgrade Cybersecurity measures. Regular updates of passwords are a must, and teach your employees to create stronger passwords. Update firewalls and softwares, secure your wi-fi network & also keep a close watch on online transactions. Give minimal access to the company mainframe & account details to keep your data safe. Set up automatic backup of your company data & use encryption codes to access them. 7.Update technology. Try to update your security gadgets with the latest technology. Technology is ever-changing and can be very useful when it comes to surveillance and monitoring. It will also mean high costs for your firm, but it is always cheaper to be safe than sorry. 8.Check for IT updates. If there is an update scheduled for the IT department, such as alarm or monitoring systems, ensure they are followed through. In the meantime, employees and security staff should be made aware of any updates to prepare for any breaches. •Keep your wireless network secure. •Safeguard passwords. •Create a plan for personal devices. 9.Use Monitored Alarms It takes only a few minutes for burglars to break in. You can secure your business premise by installing monitored alarms as they can detect a broken door, window, or any motion which will lead to an audible alarm, enough to ward off the intruders. You will get a notification about the intrusion on your phone, and the monitoring centre is also alerted to call up the authorities. 10.Regularly Inspect Property. You can use any gadget to ensure protection, but if your property is compromised, it is more vulnerable to burglars. It may be a hole in the fence or broken alarm fuses; any fault in your property may be an invitation to thieves or burglars. Performing regular property check may sound idiotic, but it’s a good habit if you check the building every day after you arrive & before you leave. It’ll help you be sure of the security measures in place, but you’ll also notice any damage or maintenance an area may need sooner. Remind employees to inform you about any suspicious activity in and around the building. 11.Proper Lighting. Bright outdoor lighting will discourage burglars or thieves from vandalising any property. A well-lit property is more noticeable to the general public, so criminals may not target it easily. Good lighting will also make your staff feel more safe and secure. 12.Dispose of data properly. Instead of disposing of important papers such as invoices and pricing quotes in the dustbin, it is always better to shred them and dispose of them. Minimize the risk that such documents possess if they fall into the wrong hands. You can also pass them through recycling to be extra sure before disposing of them. At a point in doing business, hiring a team of professional security guards becomes necessary. Anyone with an ulterior motive will feel discouraged when they see well trained and armed security guards. You can even remove unruly customers with the help of security personnel. Hiring Professional security guards is a good investment, especially if your business is more popular now and has lots of competitors or rivals. Conclusion Making the security of your business a priority will ensure the safety of your staff and the customers who visit your store. Apart from following the above tips, always be on alert and closely monitor the behaviour of the staff or customers. Follow up any discrepancy and notify the authorities as soon as possible.. Your vigilance will help to keep your business safe and secure.