ACFE CFE-Fraud-Prevention-and-Deterrence - Certified Fraud Examiner - Fraud Prevention and Deterrence Exam

The ACFE research consistently finds that the majority of occupational fraudsters are first-time offenders. Specifically, “85% of occupational fraud perpetrators had never been punished or terminated for fraud-related conduct prior to the crimes in this study.”

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

Government auditors typically cannot unilaterally withdraw from an audit engagement, even in cases where fraud is identified. Public-sector audits often follow mandates from higher authorities or statutes that require the auditor to continue and report findings to oversight bodies. Additionally, fraud and abuse (including misconduct and misuse of assets) are relevant to government audits under ISSAIs, contrary to A and B. Option D is incorrect because public-sector audit objectives are often broader, encompassing compliance, performance, and integrity aspects.

Objectives of a Fraud Risk Management Program:

A. Proactively identifying fraud risks:A fundamental goal is to identify and assess potential fraud risks to implement preventative measures.

B. Limiting the damage caused by fraud occurrences:Programs should have mechanisms in place to detect and respond to fraud promptly to minimize harm.

C. Punishing fraud perpetrators:Punishment serves as both a deterrent and a means of reinforcing the organization's commitment to ethical behavior.

Comprehensive Objective Coverage:

Effective fraud risk management includes preventative, detective, and corrective measures.

Conclusion:All the listed objectives are essential components of a fraud risk management program.

Understanding Conflicts of Interest:

The ACFE Code of Professional Ethics prohibits any engagements that impair the fraud examiner's objectivity, even with disclosure.

Ownership interests in a client organization create significant potential for bias, compromising the integrity of the evaluation.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Secret infiltration:This is a clear ethical violation.

B. Engagements reducing employer duties:This constitutes a conflict of interest.

D. Representing both sides:Prohibited under the ACFE Code due to conflicting responsibilities.

Conclusion:Option C is a prohibited conflict of interest under the ACFE Code.

ï‚· Criminogenic Nature of Organizations:

Research suggests that organizational culture and pressures can override an individual's personal values, especially when authority figures issue direct orders to engage in unethical behavior.

ï‚· Why B is Correct:

Strong personal values do not guarantee resistance to unethical orders, as obedience to authority is a powerful psychological force, as seen in studies like the Milgram experiment​​.

ï‚· Implication for Fraud Prevention:

Organizations must establish strong ethical environments to reduce the influence of authority pressure on employees

Ethical Obligations Under ACFE Code:

CFEs are obligated to report material findings, including deficiencies that may facilitate fraud, even if no fraud is found.

Providing such insights aligns with the principles of due diligence and professional responsibility.

Professional Reporting Practices:

Including opinions on internal control deficiencies adds value to the examination and supports fraud prevention efforts.

Conclusion:White may include her opinion on control deficiencies in her report.

According to ISA 240, the auditor is required to communicate identified fraud involving management to those charged with governance.

“When fraud involving senior management is identified or suspected, the auditor shall communicate these findings directly to those charged with governance.”

Findings from the 2020 Report to the Nations:

A. Complaints about management:Not the most common red flag; lifestyle changes, such as living beyond means, are more common.

B. Gender of fraudsters:The report consistently shows that men commit more occupational frauds than women.

C. Median losses by executives vs. staff:Losses caused by executives are significantly higher.

D. Past offenses:Most fraudsters do not have a prior fraud-related disciplinary history.

Conclusion:Option B aligns with the findings of the 2020 Report to the Nations.

Three General Approaches to Controlling Corporate Crime:

Government Intervention:Strong regulations and enforcement to ensure accountability.

Voluntary Corporate Changes:Encouraging ethical practices through organizational policies.

Consumer Action:Pressure from consumers demanding corporate responsibility.

Why D is Incorrect:

Media blacklisting is not a formal or systematic approach to controlling corporate crime. It is a consequence rather than a preventive or corrective measure.

Key Elements of an Ethics Program:

An effective ethics program involves assessing existing issues, such as ethical leadership gaps, and designing policies and practices to address them.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Restricted access:Ethics policies should be accessible to external parties, including stakeholders, to enhance transparency.

C. Written policy alone:A written policy is insufficient without ongoing communication, training, and leadership support.

D. All of the above:Incorrect because options A and C are not true.

Conclusion:Considering existing ethical leadership issues is critical when designing an effective ethics program.