Here's a step-by-step blueprint - a review for CFEs and a primer for students - to evaluate possible fraud. This system helps you answer such questions as: Does a fraud exist? How many perpetrators are involved? Is the evidence convincing? Is the case worth pursuing or should I quit?
When in the history of fighting crime has a concept grown as fast or risen to such prominence as fraud detection? In less than two decades, the system of fraud detection has become a global phenomenon. And the professionals who practice it are viewed as highly respected crime fighters.
Building on the broad base of theory and practice developed by esteemed criminologists, I've formulated a model called Dinev's Compass for Fraud Detection® (See "The Brains Behind the Methods" below) to assist fraud examiners and students of the profession to better understand the process of fraud detection. For some, this will be a review, and others, a basic primer.
The model contains the elements that comprise a fraud examination and helps the fraud examiner make informed decisions at each step when he or she is faced with: understanding the types and schemes of fraud with their typical indicators and fraud exposures in the organization; reviewing and analyzing the available evidence; and deciding if to continue with an investigation and to take preventive measures or cancel the process.