To catch a thief: Investigating fraud

Introduction

As forensic accountants and investigators we are often asked for our best stories on the frauds we have investigated. The stories are entertaining but also help us know how best to protect our work places from theft.

In this article Julia Patterson, a manager in our Sydney office, draws on her experiences in summarising how fraudsters are often caught.

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners recently published its 2016 Global Fraud Study. It found that 70 percent of all fraud was exposed by tip off, internal audit and concerns of management. Tips were overwhelmingly the largest source, representing 40 percent. Direct supervisors are the most common recipients of tips.