What common misconception might employees have regarding fraud?

The view that fraud is only a concern for upper management is a common misconception among employees. This belief minimizes the responsibility that all employees hold in maintaining an ethical workplace and preventing fraud. In reality, fraud can happen at any level of an organization and can involve any employee. When employees underestimate their role or dismiss fraud risks as solely the purview of management, they may overlook suspicious activities or fail to report unethical behavior, which can lead to more significant losses for the organization.

This misconception neglects the fact that fraud can originate from lower-level employees, who might exploit their access or knowledge in ways that are harmful to the company. A culture of vigilance and accountability must include everyone in the organization, not just upper management, in efforts to prevent and detect fraud. Thus, it's crucial to foster an environment where all employees are educated and feel empowered to participate in fraud prevention strategies.