Don’t mistake kickbacks for gifts

Kickbacks return a portion of the money exchanged in a business transaction as compensation for favorable treatment. They’re illegal, but you may have trouble identifying kickbacks because they’re often disguised as gifts, travel or entertainment. The main difference is the gift-giver’s intent. Your employees shouldn’t accept gifts offered to improperly influence business decisions or that give the impression they do. Tips from workers and vendors often reveal kickback schemes. Also watch out for lavish business entertainment, irregular purchasing behavior and unusual bid solicitation and submission processes.