ACFE CFE-Investigation - Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Investigation

“The interviewer generally should indicate his name and company, but he should avoid stating his title. In general, the more informal the interview, the more relaxed the respondent”.

Introducing oneself only by name and company (not title like CFE or auditor) avoids intimidation and builds cooperation.

“Credit card records… show card purchasing limits, previous payment history, account balance,when and where the subject has travelled, restaurants frequented, and assets acquired. In short, these records show the movements and habits of the person”.

Therefore,Bis correct.

“In jurisdictions that regulate credit information and personal data, a fraud examiner will generally need a legally acceptable reason for accessing such information from third parties… some common circumstances include when: the individual has given consent”.

Thus, with the individual’s consent, Leslie could obtain the report.

The Fraud Examiners Manual explains that recommendations in a report areoptional, not mandatory. When included, they should cover remedial measures such as control reviews or increased security.

“Finally, the fraud examiner might decide to include a section for recommendations. The recommendations section should containremedial measures or specific recommendations for follow-up actions… This section is optional”.

Therefore,Cis correct. Options A and D are incorrect because recommendations are not required in every report, and B misstates its purpose.

Link analysis is described as avisual analytic toolthat:

“Tracks the movement of money,”

“Demonstrates complex networks,”

“Helps identify indirect relationships with several degrees of separation,” and

“Discovers communications, patterns, and trends.”

It doesnotdisplay financial ratios—that belongs to traditionalfinancial statement/ratio analysis.

“Introductory questions should be designed to establish rapport… the interviewer must establish some common ground with the respondent before he begins the fact-gathering portion of the interview. Interviewers usually establish rapport by spending a few minutes with the respondent in an informal dialogue”.

Thus, Vishal’s small talk about ties and sports is rapport-building.

“Even when a victim refers a fraud case for criminal prosecution, the government will usuallynot disclose the contents of nonpublic records with the victim during the investigation”.

Thus, optionDis most accurate.

TheFraud Examiners Manuallists required steps before seizing evidence:

Obtain legal authority.

Review privacy issues.

Ensure software/hardware are validated.

Document surroundings, inspect for traps, image drives, etc.

There isno requirementto assemble a team exclusively of outside experts.

Before seizing evidence in adigital forensic investigation, the2014 International Fraud Examiners Manualoutlines several critical steps:

Obtain legal authority / review orders:

“Before obtaining evidence, ensure that there is legal authority to seize evidence and review the data associated with the evidence. This might require obtaining a warrant in a criminal matter or ensuring that internal policies authorise seizure for an internal investigation.”

Determine privacy issues:

“Before the fraud examiner can seize evidence, he must take certain steps to help ensure that the evidence will be admissible: He must determine whether there are any privacy interests in the item(s) to be searched… In every case where it becomes necessary to seize a computer or other device capable of storing digital evidence, the investigator should consult with legal counsel.”

Use only trained professionals/software:

“It is important to allow a trained examiner to conduct a proper seizure and examination of digital evidence to help ensure that the information can be used in a legal proceeding.”

✅These are allvalid required steps.

In contrast, the idea that the team must be composedonly of outside digital forensic expertsisNOT a required step. The Manual stresses flexibility in team composition:

“Some organisations have their own in-house personnel… while others might prefer the use of an outside examiner. Sometimes retrieving digital data is as easy as searching the target computer’s hard drive, but other times retrieval requires a thorough knowledge of computers.”

Thus, requiringonly outside expertsis not a standard step, since investigations may useinternal, external, or a mixof specialists depending on the situation.

Fraud examiners mustnot opine on guilt, innocence, intent, or disposition. Reports should focus onfacts and expert conclusions within their field. The Manual stresses:

“The fraud examiner should refrain from expressing opinions as to the guilt or innocence of any person or entity. Such conclusions are reserved for the trier of fact” (Fraud Examiners Manual, Reporting section).

Options A, B, and D relate toaccounting and internal control assessments, which fall within an accounting expert’s scope. OnlyCis improper because it speculates about the suspect’s character or intent, which is outside the CFE’s role.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations, as cited in the Fraud Examiners Manual, require enhanced due diligence in correspondent banking relationships. Specifically, banks must“avoid correspondent banking with shell banks”and ensure the foreign institution is properly licensed and regulated.

This means financial institutions must confirm that the foreign correspondent bank holds the necessarylicenses or certificationsto operate legitimately.

Other options (branch addresses, tax statements, or client loan profiles) are not mandated under FATF’s correspondent banking due diligence requirements. The most critical factor is verifying the correspondent institution’slegal authorization (licenses/certifications)to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.