High number of fraud cases is an alarm call
IT was disconcerting in our immediate past publication to carry, via police and court sources, reports of three substantial local instances relating to large scale fraud.
Obviously the accused in each matter have as much right as the complainant to a trial that proves beyond doubt the merits, or otherwise, of the charges.
These accusations, and the decision to proceed with prosecutions, are not made lightly.
Investigations are thorough and we are grateful to also have an office of the SAPS Provincial Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit based at Richards Bay Police Station.
Without specific reference to any of the particular crimes presently in the headlines, while crimes of fraud have always occurred, there is every likelihood that the current dire financial economic situation will see an increase.
‘Desperate people take desperate measures’, says the old adage.
Indeed, many who under normal circumstances would never consider committing fraud, may now be tempted into such, especially if working in an environment or position of trust where opportunity presents itself.
In fact, there is sometimes a measure of sympathy for those, for example, who might steal simply to survive.
However, that is a distorted and dangerous viewpoint, as the outcome might be jail time, a criminal record for life, and little prospect of future employment.
And it is greed, more than need, which fuels what is referred to as white collar crime.
One needs to look no further than well paid officials in highranking government structures who have fleeced the country of billions through fraud and money laundering.
The fact that such crimes are generally non-violent makes that an aggravating rather than mitigating factor.
People are left homeless, jobless and hopeless when money entrusted to the State is diverted from essential survival needs into private pockets.
In non-government circles, monies embezzled from trust funds and pension schemes fall into the same category.
The same would apply to clubs, schools and even community organisations where the money of the many ‘members’ could be syphoned off.
And detectives will tell us how many schemes are circulating, all aimed at dishonestly depriving the innocent person or small business of their hard-earned cash.
Job applicants and online buyers and sellers all fall prey to con artists who specialise in milking the unwary and the uneducated.
There are two conclusions to be drawn, the first of which is: do not be tempted, no matter how tough times are, to gain money dishonestly.
The second is to tighten up financial controls and audits, and to be far more alert to possible fraud, especially regarding the internet.
If that makes us a more cynical and suspicious society, so be it.