Even in a world of digital wallets, instant transfers, and mobile banking, one old-school financial tool continues to attract modern criminals: the paper check. As surprising as it may sound, check fraud is not only alive and well—it’s increasing at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement NetworkContinue reading “An Old Fraud With a New Look: Protecting Yourself and Your Business From Modern-Day Check Fraud”
Author Archives: JVFS
Warning: Fraudulent DMV Text Scams on the Rise – How to Spot and Stop Them
In recent months, residents across many states have been targeted by a surge in scam text messages impersonating various state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These fake texts claim that your license is suspended, that you owe fees, or that your DMV record needs urgent verification. The real goal? To trick you into clicking maliciousContinue reading “Warning: Fraudulent DMV Text Scams on the Rise – How to Spot and Stop Them”
ebay Fraud Schemes: A Certified Fraud Examiner’s Guide for New Sellers
As Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs), we’re trained to spot the red flags of fraud before losses occur. In the world of e-commerce, platforms like eBay offer lucrative opportunities—but also a breeding ground for deceptive behavior. While most transactions are legitimate, new sellers are especially vulnerable to scams that can chip away at profits and trust.Continue reading “ebay Fraud Schemes: A Certified Fraud Examiner’s Guide for New Sellers”
Government Contracting Fraud: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Taxpayers Should Care
When government money is on the table—especially big money—fraud isn’t far behind. Every year, billions of taxpayer dollars are spent on contracts for goods and services. These range from building roads to supplying military gear to maintaining IT systems and where there’s money, there’s the potential for fraud, waste, and/or abuse.
John R. Janicek Named NACVA 2023–2024 CVA Coach of the Year
The National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts® (NACVA®) has named John R. Janicek, CPA, CVA, ABV, CFF, FCPA, CRFAC, MAFF, the recipient of the 2023–2024 CVA Coach of the Year Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions and unwavering support to candidates pursuing the prestigious Certified Valuation Analyst® (CVA®) credential.
Fraud Examiners in the Classroom: Lessons from the Front Lines of Academic Integrity
After working in military service, public accounting, corporate finance, and fraud examination, I’ve grown used to chaos—the kind of chaos that requires discipline, documentation, and a deep understanding of how deception works in the real world. But I’ve recently discovered that higher education, particularly in today’s age of online learning and artificial intelligence, is facingContinue reading “Fraud Examiners in the Classroom: Lessons from the Front Lines of Academic Integrity”
What Fraudsters Can Do With Your Bank Account Number
A compromised bank account number may seem harmless at first glance—but in the hands of cybercriminals, it can lead to a series of damaging financial crimes. From unauthorized withdrawals and online purchases to identity theft and tax fraud, the risks are real—and growing. Here’s a breakdown of what fraudsters can do with your banking details,Continue reading “What Fraudsters Can Do With Your Bank Account Number”
Strengthening Accounting Systems for Fraud Prevention: A Forensic Accounting Perspective
In today’s complex business environment, an effective accounting system is more than just a tool for recording transactions—it’s a frontline defense against fraud. Forensic accountants often uncover financial misconduct due to weak or outdated accounting systems that fail to detect irregularities. Therefore, developing and continuously improving an organization’s accounting system is not only about efficiencyContinue reading “Strengthening Accounting Systems for Fraud Prevention: A Forensic Accounting Perspective”
AI-Powered Fraud in 2025: Emerging Threats and What You Need to Know
As we move further into 2025, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: fraud is evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of this transformation. Fraudsters are harnessing the power of AI tools to launch more sophisticated, convincing, and widespread scams. From deepfake-enhanced Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks to synthetic identity fraud and healthcareContinue reading “AI-Powered Fraud in 2025: Emerging Threats and What You Need to Know”
The Pitfalls of Offshore Accounting: A Forensic Accounting Perspective
Offshore accounting has long been a subject of debate in financial and legal circles. While there are legitimate reasons for businesses and individuals to hold offshore accounts—such as asset protection, international business expansion, and tax planning—the misuse of offshore structures has made them a favorite tool for tax evasion, fraudulent financial reporting, and money laundering.Continue reading “The Pitfalls of Offshore Accounting: A Forensic Accounting Perspective”
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