Feds charge a suspected major cyber thief

by Brad Cyprus — Chief of Security and Compliance, Vendor Safe Technologies

Everyone in retail can breathe a little easier today knowing that federal authorities have charged David Benjamin Schrooten, or as he is known in cyber space…

Employee hotline – Avoid passing in the no passing zone

Employee Hotlines encourage employees to report incidences when they observe unsafe conditions or inappropriate behavior, and promotes a culture of ethical…

It's counterfeit! Now what do we do? - Part 3

Training your employees on how to detect counterfeit, and what to do when it occurs is an essential element of loss prevention and cash management plans.

The most important issue facing restaurant owners today: tip reporting

by Rick Casmass — VP Marketing, Valiant

I’ve worked many years for tips. I began my restaurant career when I was 14 (don’t tell the Labor department). I’ve been a busboy, a waiter, a bartender, and…

Is it real or counterfeit? Practical tips in detecting counterfeit currency

Recognizing fake bills comes down to training that is easy to comprehend and makes sense, yet doesn't slow down the operation.

How many people does it take to process a credit card?

by Brad Cyprus — Chief of Security and Compliance, Vendor Safe Technologies

I know this sounds like the old joke about a light bulb or a chicken crossing the road, but the way some restaurants operate, the joke is on them.  There are…

Could be deadly, but essential for restaurant operations

If you have CO(2) fill ports or storage tanks in tight enclosed quarters, lower levels, or have older systems or systems that have not been inspected by…

Would YOU resist a robber?

The young manager knelt in front of the safe, a thousand thoughts cluttering his head. His fingers were nearly frozen with fear as he fumbled with the…

Could your restaurant survive a 15% decrease in business?

by Brad Cyprus — Chief of Security and Compliance, Vendor Safe Technologies

The question we field more than any other when talking to small merchants is, “Who is making me become PCI compliant?” The answer is too complicated to simply…

The Secret Decoder Ring and Loss Prevention

Over the holidays I watched “A Christmas Story” for the gazillionth time. One of the scenes in the movie is Ralphie getting his secret decoder ring to unlock…

Epic Programs Group expands liability coverage for pizza delivery

January 18, 2012

Epic Programs Group, a managing underwriter and program administrator providing risk management and insurance solutions, has announced an expansion of coverage…

But I thought it was being done – Inspecting the expected

We may have too much faith that it cannot happen, or won’t happen or we’re simply naïve. Perhaps we don’t seek, therefore we don’t find. Maybe it’s…

Wrestling with a million dollar baby - skimming

The restaurant industry is rife with ways to lose profitability. Just when you think you have things buttoned up, a new twist comes along that can threaten…

A leopard that couldn’t change its spots

What exactly do you know about employees assigned to handle your deposits?

Personal safety tips for the holidays

D.B. "Libby" Libhart has more than 30 years of experience in the loss prevention industry. He has provided security and safety leadership in retail settings…

One is the loneliest number

Having a lone employee on a late night shift raises the risk of robbery and employee theft.

The art of building a bank

It has nothing to do with concrete blocks and mortar. Cranes and bulldozers are not involved, and it has no reference to the facility where you make your…

Don’t wait ‘til Halloween to ghost hunt

The assistant manager was in charge of inputting hours worked by employees into the back office system. She was very diligent in making sure employees were…

What’s the worst that could happen?

Back door security is one of the most serious breaches and most often violated of all security policies, assuming that such a policy exists.

Protecting employees from workplace violence

In Panama City, Fla., a man called a local restaurant and threatened "to drive my truck through the building and kill everyone," following a domestic dispute…