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Dr. Richard Riley, Ph.D, Dr. Richard Dull, Ph.D, and John Gill, J.D., CFE

Everyday across the world, thousands of businesses are victimized by fraud. Who commits these bad acts? Why? And, how? In this course we are going to help you answer the questions: who commits fraud, why and how. We’ll also help you develop skills for catching them.

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What's inside

Syllabus

The Accidental Fraudster
Who are "accidental" fraudsters? Learn who accidental fraudsters are, the basic elements of fraud, and how devastating the costs of fraud are.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops a comprehensive understanding of fraud, including the motivations, methods, and techniques used by fraudsters
Provides practical skills for detecting and preventing fraud, including data analysis, Benford analysis, and financial analytics
Taught by Dr. Richard Riley, Dr. Richard Dull, John Gill, and CFE, who are recognized experts in the field of fraud investigation
Covers a wide range of topics related to fraud, including accidental fraud, predator fraud, cyber-crime, money laundering, and whistleblowing

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Reviews summary

Forensic accounting and fraud fundamentals overview

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation and overview of the key concepts in forensic accounting and fraud examination. Students report that it covers relevant topics such as different types of fraudsters, the use of data analysis tools like Benford's Law, cybercrime, and the importance of whistleblowing. While the course is seen as a good starting point for those new to the field, some reviews suggest it may lack depth for learners seeking advanced or highly practical knowledge in complex areas.
Covers key areas like cybercrime, whistleblowing.
"The inclusion of topics like whistleblowing and cybercrime made the course feel very current and relevant."
"Learning about money laundering techniques and whistleblowing was particularly useful."
"I appreciated the modules on using data analysis tools like Benford's Law in fraud detection."
Provides a strong basis in fraud concepts.
"I felt this course gave me a really solid overview of the different types of fraud and the basic concepts."
"For someone just starting out, this provides a good foundation to understand forensic accounting basics."
"The initial modules clearly explained the fundamental elements of fraud and who commits it."
May be too introductory on complex areas.
"I was hoping for more depth in the 'Big Data' and 'Cyber-Crime' sections; they felt a bit brief."
"Experienced professionals might find this course too basic and not challenging enough."
"Could use more detailed case studies or practical application beyond the introductory level."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination with these activities:
Read the book 'Fraud Examination' by W. Steve Albrecht
This book will give you a comprehensive understanding of the different types of fraud and how they are investigated.
View Fraud Examination on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book 'Fraud Examination' by W. Steve Albrecht.
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Learn about security breaches and types of fraud
By reviewing security breaches and different types of fraud you'll be better able to identify and prevent them when you begin this course.
Browse courses on Security Breaches
Show steps
  • Read about recent security breaches and how they happened.
  • Learn about the different types of fraud and how they are committed.
  • Take a quiz to test your understanding of security breaches and fraud.
Take an online course on fraud investigation
Taking an online course on fraud investigation will give you a comprehensive understanding of the different techniques used to investigate and prevent fraud.
Show steps
  • Find an online course on fraud investigation that is reputable and well-reviewed.
  • Enroll in the course and complete the coursework.
  • Apply what you have learned in the course to your work.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Attend a workshop on fraud prevention
Attending a workshop on fraud prevention will give you the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.
Browse courses on Fraud Prevention
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on fraud prevention that is reputable and well-reviewed.
  • Register for the workshop and attend all of the sessions.
  • Take notes and ask questions during the workshop.
  • Apply what you have learned in the workshop to your work.
Mentor a new employee or intern in fraud prevention
Mentoring a new employee or intern in fraud prevention will help you solidify your understanding of the different elements of fraud and how to prevent it.
Browse courses on Fraud Prevention
Show steps
  • Find a new employee or intern who is interested in learning about fraud prevention.
  • Develop a mentorship plan that outlines the topics you will cover.
  • Meet with your mentee regularly to discuss fraud prevention topics.
  • Provide feedback and guidance to your mentee as they learn and grow.

Career center

Learners who complete Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fraud Examiner
Fraud examiners investigate and prevent fraud. They work with law enforcement and other agencies to bring fraudsters to justice. This course is exceptionally aligned with a career as a Fraud Examiner, providing a deep understanding of the motivations, methods, and consequences of both "accidental" and "predator" fraudsters. Furthermore, the coursework in Cyber-Crime and Money Laundering: Contemporary Tools and Techniques closely aligns with job functions as a Fraud Examiner.
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
CAMS specialists help organizations comply with anti-money laundering laws and regulations. They must pass a rigorous exam to obtain their certification. This course will provide critical knowledge of the methods, detection, and prevention of money laundering, contributing to success in this role. Coursework closely aligns with the CAMS certification exam and job functions.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. They use their accounting skills to analyze financial data and identify irregularities. As an example, the unit on Big Data, Benford's Law and Financial Analytics may be particularly useful for a Forensic Accountant seeking to improve their ability to identify fraudulent activities by financial data and analytics.
Auditor
Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. They may also provide consulting services to help organizations improve their internal controls. The course in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination will provide Auditors with the background knowledge of fraud and money laundering techniques necessary for their role in ensuring financial data accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
CFEs investigate and prevent fraud. They must pass a rigorous exam to obtain their certification. This course is well suited for both aspiring and current CFEs, offering valuable insights and tools to combat fraud at all levels. Coursework in the detection, prevention, and investigation of fraud can contribute to successful completion of the CFE exam and certification.
Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS)
CFCSs investigate and prevent financial crimes. They must pass a rigorous exam to obtain their certification. Professionals seeking to obtain the CFCS certification will find the coursework in fraud examination and financial crime investigation particularly relevant. The course will provide a strong foundation for success on the CFCS exam and in the field of financial crime prevention.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
CIAs evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's internal controls. They must pass a rigorous exam to obtain their certification. Participants in this course can build a foundation for pursuing the CIA certification by developing an understanding of internal controls, fraud detection, and risk management as they pertain to internal auditing.
Internal Auditor
Internal auditors evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's internal controls. They make recommendations to improve the organization's risk management and governance processes. The course's overview of internal control concepts, money laundering techniques, and the role of whistleblowers can all contribute to the success of an Internal Auditor.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate investments and make recommendations to clients. They use financial data to assess the risks and rewards of different investments. This course will strengthen the foundation of a Financial Analyst by providing an understanding of the detection and prevention of money laundering.
Whistleblower
Whistleblowers report illegal or unethical activities to authorities. They may face retaliation for their actions. For individuals who wish to speak out about wrongdoing in the workplace, this course is indispensable. It offers crucial insights into the legal protections available to whistleblowers and the importance of their role in combating fraud and corruption.
Compliance Officer
Compliance officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They develop and implement compliance programs and monitor compliance activities. By studying Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, students can build a solid foundation in this field and gain the knowledge to establish and maintain efficient compliance programs.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CPAs provide accounting, auditing, and tax services to individuals and businesses. They must pass a rigorous exam to obtain their certification. Students who plan on pursuing a career as a CPA may find this course helpful because it can provide them with a strong foundation in fraud detection and prevention.
Risk Manager
Risk managers identify and assess risks to organizations. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. This course's focus on fraud and money laundering will enable Risk Managers to more effectively identify and assess risks in the financial sector.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISAs audit information systems to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. They must pass a rigorous exam to obtain their certification. Information technology professionals who plan on obtaining the CISA certification can benefit from this course's overview of contemporary cyber-crime and money laundering tools and techniques.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They may specialize in a particular area, such as fraud prevention or risk management. Courses in financial analytics and data analysis may be particularly relevant to a consultant who wants to specialize in fraud prevention and detection.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination.
Focusing on analytical techniques and methods, this volume serves as a resource for applying forensic analysis techniques to enhance investigations.
This textbook is widely used as a primary textbook in academic institutions and combines accounting concepts with practical, real life examples, and is particularly focused on the role of the forensic accountant in the audit process.
A textbook which is most useful as supplementary reading or foundational knowledge, this book provides a readable overview of the forensic accounting process.
Useful as both a quick reference guide as well as a source of in-depth detail on specialist areas, this deskbook valuable tool for the forensic accountant.

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