The holiday season brings excitement and challenges for retail stores, especially with a surge in customers and inventory. These conditions increase the risk of fraud, theft, waste and abuse. For every cashier, store manager and general manager, it’s critical to understand the support offered by the Inspector General (IG) and Loss Prevention (LP).
How can the Inspector General help?
The IG acts as an independent resource focused on identifying and preventing fraud, waste and abuse. The IG’s greatest asset for the story is a confidential reporting system.
Confidential reporting: If you witness suspicious activity—such as fraudulent returns, unusual transactions or abuse of store policies—report it directly to the IG.
Accountability: When reports are filed, the IG investigates, supports team members and maintains a culture of honesty and trust throughout the organization.
How does Loss Prevention assist?
Loss Prevention teams partners with associates and management to safeguard store assets and minimize risk:
Training: LP professionals provide training on spotting suspicious behaviors; security policies and procedures; and maintaining vigilance.
Store monitoring: LP uses surveillance systems, audits and in-person observations to deter internal and external theft. LP closely monitors high-risk areas and intervenes quickly if a problem arises.
Incident response: When theft, fraud or abuse is suspected, LP professionals handle investigations, collect evidence and coordinate with law enforcement if needed, ensuring the organization follows legal and ethical protocols.
Technical and policy enforcement: LP implements tools, such as closed-circuit TV cameras, alarms and electronic article surveillance, and ensures associates are following security procedures, helping reduce loss throughout the store.
How can you help?
- Stay alert to warning signs, return patterns, payment anomalies and distracted or aggressive customers.
- Report suspicious incidents, no matter how small, to IG or LP swiftly to prevent bigger losses.
- Embrace training from LP to keep your skills sharp and awareness high.
Why does it matter?
The holidays should be a time of joy, not frustration. Through knowing how to work with IG and LP, every retail associate plays a key part in keeping stores safe, honest and thriving even during the busiest time of the year.
Stay vigilant, lean on your IG and LP resources and help create a successful season for your Exchange and your team. From our family to yours, happy holidays.
The Exchange Inspector General Office and Loss Prevention Office are here for you! If you need any assistance or have questions regarding this article, email Deputy Chief of Inspections LTC Roshun A. Steele at steeleros@aafes.com or Senior Loss Prevention Operations Manager Andrew A. Porterfield at porterfieldan@aafes.com
Leave a Reply