FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-1 Today’s Topics n Methods for Investigating Fraud n Theft Investigation Methods

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-2 Fraud Investigation n Evidence Square Approach n Testimonial evidence n Documentary evidence n Physical evidence n Personal observation n Fraud Elements Plus Inquiry Approach n Theft investigation n Concealment investigation n Conversion investigation n Inquiry investigation

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-3 Theft Investigation n Surveillance and covert operations n Invigilation n Physical evidence n Generally costly and time-consuming

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-4 Theft Investigation Bull’s-Eye n Check records n Interview former employees, vendors n Search public records n Interview employees, buyers etc. n Interview suspect

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-5 Coordinating the Investigation n Vulnerability Chart (spread sheet) n What was taken? n Who had the opportunity? n How were assets moved? n How was it concealed? n How were the assets converted? n What were the red-flags? n What were the possible motives? n What were the sources of rationalization? n What internal controls exist?

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-6 Surveillance and Covert Operations n Fixed, tailing or electronic n Legal, but subject to the 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable searches n Avoid fishing expeditions

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-7 Invigilation n Observation that takes away virtually all opportunities for fraud n Before and after comparisons n Use only with management approval n Costly

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - BA124 - Fall 2011Slide 7-8 Physical Evidence n WTC example n Northern Exposure example