Which of the following is NOT an effective control to protect against skimming schemes?

• A. Installing visible video cameras to monitor a store's cash registers
• B. Reconciling the physical inventory count with the perpetual inventory records
• C. Restricting the accounts receivable clerk from preparing the bank deposit
• D. Reconciling the sales records to the cash receipts

Answer: (D)

Skimming schemes involve stealing cash at the point of sale before it’s recorded, so the most effective controls are preventive ones that stop cash from being taken or provide immediate, independent verification of cash received.

Visible video cameras at the cash registers act as a strong deterrent and give you evidence if theft occurs, reducing opportunities for skimming. Restricting the accounts receivable clerk from preparing bank deposits enforces separation of duties, so no single person handles both cash and its recording or deposit, which directly reduces skimming opportunities.

Reconciling the sales records to the cash receipts is a detective check done after the cash should have been received. While it can reveal discrepancies, it isn’t a preventive measure and a skilled skimmer could manipulate both sides to keep the reconciliation in balance, making this control less effective at preventing skimming.

Reconciling physical inventory with perpetual inventory records deals with inventory theft, not cash skimming, so it doesn’t address the specific risk of stealing cash at the point of sale.