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.