Category Archives: ACFE

An Old Fraud With a New Look: Protecting Yourself and Your Business From Modern-Day Check Fraud

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”

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”

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”

Exposing Collusion: How Forensic Accounting Uncovers Hidden Fraud and Protects Your Business

Collusion in auditing occurs when two or more individuals or entities conspire to circumvent internal controls, manipulate financial records, or hide fraudulent activities. It poses a significant challenge to auditors, as collusion can render even the most robust auditing processes ineffective. This is because the coordination among perpetrators often includes falsifying documents, suppressing information, orContinue reading “Exposing Collusion: How Forensic Accounting Uncovers Hidden Fraud and Protects Your Business”

The Essential Skills of a Forensic Accountant: How They Differ from Tax and Business Accounting

When it comes to unraveling complex financial mysteries, not all accountants are created equal. Forensic accounting stands apart as a specialized discipline that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, analytical skills, and investigative prowess. But what exactly sets a forensic accountant apart from a tax or business accountant, and why should you consider hiringContinue reading “The Essential Skills of a Forensic Accountant: How They Differ from Tax and Business Accounting”

The Rise and Fall of an Embezzlement Scheme (video)

After the reinsurance company Nathan Mueller worked for was purchased by ING for $6 billion, he played a key role in transitioning its operations onto ING’s enterprise resource planning system. He began embezzling money to pay off personal debt and fund a passion for gambling. What started as a $1,100 check to a credit card,Continue reading “The Rise and Fall of an Embezzlement Scheme (video)”