Global

Canadian microcap stock manipulation often escapes detection

Although CFEs might not regularly come across microcap stock manipulation, it’s important to be aware of the methods and motivations behind this significant criminal activity. (A microcap is a publicly traded company whose stock might be worth only pennies, which causes prices to be volatile and easier to manipulate.)

Canada fighting fraud with new laws, enforcement

Canada’s history and reputation as a “fraudster’s playground” might finally be coming to an end as regulatory and enforcement authorities enter a more well-rounded anti-fraud regimen. In the past, Canada’s approach to fraud was plagued with inadequacies, which left investors vulnerable and victims with little chance of recovery.

Let's do some brainstorming

What happens when you fill a boardroom with highly intelligent people and ask them a few questions about fraud topics? You yield 90 minutes of insights that can’t be contained in one article. In this article, the Board of Regents discuss new frauds on the horizon, data breaches, new practices and training millennials as practitioners.

Looking at fraud through a global lens

As technology continues to shape the world, advances in travel and communications have made international business easier to conduct. Anti-fraud professionals can reap the benefits of these advances to help prevent and detect fraud. But heed this caveat: The playing fields are changing. Border-crossing frauds are presenting new challenges to fraud examiners.

The virtual future of money laundering

While today’s leading virtual currencies, like bitcoin, may or may not pass the test of time, the underlying technology is here to stay. Innovators are taking us into a new realm in the exciting (and to some, terrifying) world of virtual currency. How do we prevent criminals from abusing the system in this still fairly new technology?

Traditional investigative approaches in China can lead a company into a sinkhole

Guest columnists Howard Wang and Kent Kedl posit that traditional investigations don’t work well in China because of ingrained features of China’s business and legal environment. They suggest changes that will help foreigners in their fraud examinations.

Shell shocked

The leak of the huge cache of offshore data in the Panama Papers reveals decades-old shell companies — many of which fraudsters have used to launder money and hide crimes. How can fraud examiners use the data? Will the revelations cause governments to overcompensate with overbearing regulations? Or will the exposé ultimately be ignored because unethical systems are so entrenched?

A passion for fighting corruption

Alexandra Wrage, founder and president of TRACE International and a former member of FIFA’s Independent Governance Committee, shares her thoughts on last year’s FIFA scandals, the recent release of the Panama Papers and the keys to tackling global corruption through anti-bribery and corruption compliance support.

A whole lot of hanky-panky going on

During my six-plus years as a regional bank fraud investigator I’ve delved into a legion of cases categorized as romance or sweetheart scams. You might believe that only simpletons fall prey to romance hustles, but con artists don’t discriminate. Victims are male, female, young, middle-aged, elderly, benighted, well-bred and of various races, creeds and nationalities.

Moving fraud awareness from the back room to the boardroom

The ACFE’s Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse has led to the classification and analysis of thousands of occupational frauds. But, perhaps, more importantly, it has shown organizational management and the public the dire need for well-planned fraud awareness, deterrence and prevention programs.

Bridging the language gap

When fraud examinations cross borders and cultures, interpreting services are crucial. Here you’ll learn what to do before, during and after an interaction with a foreign-language speaker and how to effectively communicate through the use of an interpreter.

Female fraud fighters are leading the charge

On March 8 we celebrate International Women’s Day. Since the inception of the ACFE in 1988, female membership has grown tremendously. We can be proud that the anti-fraud profession has become an ideal place for ambitious women fraud fighters who can use their unique qualities.