Pass the ACFE Certified Fraud Examiner CFE-Fraud-Prevention-and-Deterrence Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

Scope of Fraud Risk Assessment:

The fraud risk assessment team must consider various factors, including:

A. Incentive programs:Can create pressures that lead to fraud.

B. Management override of controls:A key risk for fraud occurring despite existing safeguards.

C. Risks to reputation:Fraud incidents can harm the organization ' s public image.

Comprehensive Discussion:

Considering all these factors ensures a thorough identification of inherent fraud risks.

Conclusion:The fraud risk assessment team should discuss all listed items.

The ACFE manual emphasizes “tone at the top” as a foundational element of a strong ethical culture.

“Management must show employees through its words and actions that dishonest or unethical behavior will not be tolerated.”

CFEs must act ethically and responsibly when handling sensitive information. Eliece should inform Jewel that she will try to maintain confidentiality but must adhere to professional and ethical obligations, which may require disclosing the information to appropriate parties such as her employer or relevant authorities. This balanced response encourages transparency while maintaining ethical standards.

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A conflict of interest exists when a fraud examiner’s personal, financial, or professional interests interfere with duties owed to a client or employer. Option C is the clearest prohibited conflict because the examiner is using time owed to a full-time employer to perform freelance work for another engagement. This creates a direct conflict between the examiner’s personal business interest and the employer’s right to honest services during working time. Option A may require disclosure and management of the conflict, but disclosure can make the situation permissible depending on the facts. Option B is not a conflict because the examiner refuses improper conduct. Option D is a normal adversarial engagement if handled objectively and ethically. Therefore, option C is correct.

Behavioral Studies by B.F. Skinner:

Punishment may temporarily suppress undesired behavior but does not address the root cause or provide alternative positive behaviors.

Once punishment ceases, the behavior often resurfaces.

Analysis of Options:

A. Increase in behavior:This contradicts findings; punishment reduces behavior temporarily.

B. No effect:Punishment does affect behavior but typically in the short term.

D. Permanent suppression:Rarely achieved without reinforcement of alternative behaviors.

Conclusion:Punishment results in temporary suppression of undesired behavior.

The Fraud Prevention and Deterrence Manual explains that when an external auditor identifies matters that could affect the reliability of the financial statements, those matters must be communicated appropriately. Under the discussion of communications to management and with those charged with governance, the manual states that if the auditor identifies fraud or suspects fraud involving management, key control personnel, or matters that could lead to a material misstatement, the auditor must communicate these matters to those charged with governance on a timely basis. Significant internal control deficiencies that could result in material misstatement fit within this governance communication framework. The auditor is not responsible for fixing the controls personally, suspending the engagement automatically, or reporting directly to law enforcement in the ordinary course. Therefore, the correct response is written communication to those charged with governance.

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The Fraud Prevention Programs chapter gives specific guidance on educating employees about a reporting program. It says the organization should emphasize that employees can report suspicious conduct anonymously or confidentially, where permitted by law, without fear of retaliation. The manual also specifically notes that there should be an exact method for reporting an incident, such as a telephone number or online form, and that the report need not be made to one’s immediate superiors. This directly supports option C. The other choices would undermine reporting by discouraging good-faith tips, restricting reporting channels, or eliminating confidentiality protections. Clear reporting methods are essential because they make the process easy to understand, accessible, and usable, which increases the likelihood that potential fraud will be reported promptly.

The Corporate Governance chapter identifies four core governance principles: accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility. The manual specifically defines fairness as the principle under which all stakeholders—such as shareholders, creditors, employees, management, and others—are treated equitably and are given just and appropriate consideration. It also explains that corporate governance processes are meant to reduce bias toward any one party and help ensure equal protection of rights, including for minority shareholders. This wording closely matches the language used in the question. Accountability concerns answerability and oversight, transparency concerns disclosure and clarity of information, and responsibility concerns broader duties and obligations. Because the principle tied to equitable treatment and just consideration of stakeholders is fairness, option B is the correct answer.

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A clearly defined organizational structure contributes to accountability and reduces fraud risks. According to the ACFE manual:

“An effectively documented and communicated structure helps prevent fraud by providing clear lines of authority and responsibility and ensuring appropriate oversight.”