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Palgrave Macmillan

The Psychology of Embezzlement

The Art of Control and Intervention

  • Book
  • © 2021

Overview

Authors:
  1. David Curnow

    1. Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Alphington, Australia

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  • By explaining the theory of the psychology behind embezzlement in the first person, the reader experiences the emotions and decisions involved in the committing of an offence

  • The book is based around the Offender Mindset model, which is presented in graphic form. It helps readers consider whether there are early warning signs that can be managed, and aid in the development of training or improving security processes

  • The graphic presentation of the model and the first-person approach is supported throughout the book by having three case studies, based on the author’s research, which allow the reader to see the model in practice

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Table of contents (16 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxiii
    Download chapter PDF

  2. The Cost of Inaction and Avoidance

    • David Curnow
    Pages 1-16

  3. The Offender Mindset

    • David Curnow
    Pages 17-32

  4. Phase I

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 33-33
      Download chapter PDF

    2. Pre-existing Vulnerabilities

      • David Curnow
      Pages 35-58

  5. Phase II

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 59-59
      Download chapter PDF

    2. Why Do I Need to Steal?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 61-91

    3. How Could I Steal from This Organisation?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 93-107

    4. What Are the Risks If I Do Steal from This Organisation?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 109-140

    5. Am I Really Going to Do This?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 141-149

    6. What Will the Organisation Do Now I Have Stolen the Funds?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 151-163

  6. Phase III

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 165-165
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    2. Do I Have the Same Reason to Steal as Before?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 167-186

    3. How Do I Continue to Steal?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 187-199

    4. Why Is This Feeling More Difficult Than Before?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 201-216

    5. How Many ‘near misses’ Can I Survive?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 217-232

    6. Do I Keep Going, Stop or Admit My Crime?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 233-245

  7. Phase IV

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 247-247
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    2. How Much Do They Know?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 249-270

    3. How Can I Reduce the Consequences for Myself and Others?

      • David Curnow
      Pages 271-295
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Keywords

About this book

Using recent research and case studies, this book offers an evidence-based insight into the embezzler’s mindset as they commit crimes that are costing nations, organisations and individuals increasingly more each year. This mindset is described in detail as the embezzler develops their motivation to steal from their employer, finds a method of stealing, assesses the risks, executes the theft, and then determines whether to continue to steal.  The organisational landscape of security capabilities, culture and financial circumstances provide the environment that this mindset operates within.  The embezzler’s approach to the crime is broken down into four stages: Pre-Existing Vulnerabilities, Induction to First Theft, Ongoing Theft and Detection to Resolution. The author recommends strategies based on the embezzler’s mindset for organisations to enhance their ability to protect themselves from such inside threats that attack their reputation, productivity, morale and, in the worst cases, financial viability.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Alphington, Australia

    David Curnow

About the author

David Curnow, PhD., is affiliated with the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne University, Australia. He has worked as a Forensic Psychologist for over 20 years in prisons, private practice and consultancy. He was appointed to the state Parole Board in 2014 and has also served on the Standards Australia review of Fraud Control Standards. He gained his doctorate in 2011.

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