Careful — new OT regs could mean increased timesheet fraud

by Tim Gould

You want to believe that all employees will be honest about their “hours worked” when it comes to filling out their timesheets. But what happens when workers are blatantly cheating the system?   

Timesheet fraud is a real problem that can take a huge chunk out of employers’ bottom lines – especially those in industries and jobs where it’s easy for workers to cheat.

Plus, the DOL’s new OT regs will likely see a lot of formerly exempt employees punching a timecard for the first time in their careers. And resentment for having to do this may lead some staff to take some liberties with their timekeeping.

When is it stealing?

One of the best ways to prevent timesheet fraud – also known as wage theft – is to be aware of the various ways that employees can engage in fraudulent timekeeping such as:

• engaging in personal activities outside normal breaks while on the clock
• coming in late but recording it as “on time”
• recording time falsely for another employee, or
• taking an extended meal break but recording less time.

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