Increased Misuse and Sophistication of AI to Commit Digital Fraud The level of sophistication used by fraudsters continues to increase. Fraudsters are using voice recognition and voice swapping, as well as other generative AI tools that continue to evolve. It is critical to constantly reassess internal controls and understand how AI is used and misused. In this article, the author shares some of the schemes used and issues a challenge to entities as well as to accounting and fraud examiners. At this point, the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) generating content is nothing new. You have likely seen plenty of…
-
-
Effective Use of AI in Complex Investigations Investigators need better ways to sift through vast quantities of data to find the information at the heart of the matter. This article examines a more efficient approach to complex investigations with Generative AI. The information in this article is intended to assist in determining the effectiveness of using GenAI in fraud and other complex investigations. Introduction Complex investigations are on the rise with investigators being asked to do more with less, therefore needing to gain efficiency to handle workloads. A complex investigation can be triggered by a litigation event, government agency mandate,…
-
First Steps in the Fraud Investigation The first steps in a fraud investigation are crucial to setting the tone and can set the stage for a successful, or lack thereof, investigation. This article details the first steps a company should take when initiating a fraud investigation, what experts will be necessary to uncover illicit behavior, and what parties need to be notified. Introduction Fraud is a pervasive issue that affects businesses, organizations, and individuals across various industries. Often, an organization is surprised to find itself a victim of fraud, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted employee. According to the…
-
The Layered Approach There is a maxim in forensic accounting that investigations take twice as long as anticipated, yet the final report appears to have taken half the time. This article provides an overview of the forensic methodology to balance client expectations with the appropriate level of service. Each progressive layer allows for the milestones reached to be evaluated before expanding the scope. This article will also assist the forensic practitioner in communicating the costs of continuing the analysis against the anticipated benefits. There is a maxim in forensic accounting that investigations take twice as long as anticipated, yet the…
-
Taking Another Look at Perpetrators and Their Schemes—Can a Testifying Expert Witness Rely on the Financial Statements and/or Other Financial Reports Provided? For more than a decade, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) has published its report on global occupational fraud. The term occupational fraud refers to frauds that are committed by individuals against the organizations that employ them. Occupational fraud is formally defined as the use of one’s occupation for personal enrichment through the deliberate misuse or misapplication of the employing organization’s resources or assets. The purpose of this article is to take a deeper dive into understanding…
-
in Detecting Fraud in Business Interruption Claims (Part I of II) Business interruption claims are generally closely scrutinized by insurance carriers and can range from thousands of dollars to claims exceeding $100 million. Insurance carriers often seek the assistance of either internal or external forensic accountants to analyze such claims. During their analysis, forensic accountants often detect the possibility of fraud in a claim, prompting further investigation by the carrier. This two-part article details the role forensic accountants play in identifying and analyzing fraud in business interruption claims and explains the considerations by insurance carriers when hiring external accountants. Introduction…
-
Don’t be a Victim of Fraud Fraud can affect virtually any organization and fraud costs can be far more than just monetary losses. The author discusses the recent Wells Fargo fraud investigation and shares her views regarding what makes for an effective risk identification program. The effects of fraud can go beyond simple dollar losses and include harm to the organization’s reputation, employee morale, legal costs, and erosion of confidence by investors among other negative effects.
-
How well do you understand the foundational principles of an effective fraud risk management program? Take this quiz and find out. To read the full article in Journal of Accountancy, click: What’s Your Fraud IQ?
-
Improving Organizational Well-Being Why have an employee hotline? What are the benefits, if any, of an employee hotline? In this article, Ray Dunkle shares his views and the results of implementation. While many forward-thinking organizations are increasingly implementing hotlines, the best practice of such a hotline is so new to most, that few know how to successfully do so. The remainder of this article provides practical insights, including how to gain support from those who are resistant to change.
-
How to Apply Survey Data to Your Company, using K-means Clustering We are in an age when fraud statistics and the individual profiles of those committing the fraud are at an all-time high. How does a firm identify factors that will enable the firm to understand the risk? The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) annual fraud survey—readily available for free—provides valuable insight to prevent fraud. In this article, Elliott Chester shares how K-means clustering is developed and used for profiling employees.
-
The Annual Audit Does not Identify Operational and Financial Risks According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) 2014 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, an estimated 5% of revenues each year are lost to fraud. What processes can management put in place to identify financial and operational risks? In this article, the author shares his experience and thoughts on that question.
-
Few Companies with Under 100 Employees Have Fraud Controls in Place Small businesses are significantly more likely than their larger counterparts to neglect instituting basic antifraud controls that could save them from costly losses, a recent worldwide survey shows. The Journal of Accountancy reports in the August issue: