CFE-Fraud-Prevention-and-Deterrence ACFE Certified Fraud Examiner - Fraud Prevention and Deterrence Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

 Theory of Differential Association:

This theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, primarily within intimate groups.

Principles of the theory include:

Learning through communication.

Acquiring criminal knowledge similarly to other forms of learning.

 Why A is Incorrect:

General needs and values, such as poverty or desire for wealth, do not directly explain criminal behavior under this theory. Instead, the behavior is attributed to learned influences from others.

 Clarification of Other Options:

B, C, and D accurately reflect the principles of differential association​​.

 Effectiveness of Consistent Punishment:

Consistent punishment demonstrates an organization's commitment to enforcing anti-fraud policies and serves as a deterrent to potential fraudsters.

 Why A is Correct:

When perpetrators are consistently punished, it sends a strong message about zero tolerance for fraud and reinforces the importance of compliance throughout the organization.

 References:

ACFE guidance on fraud deterrence emphasizes the role of consequences in preventing fraud​​.

 Purpose of Fraud Risk Assessment:

Fraud risk assessment aims to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the organization's exposure to fraud risks. It does not specifically provide an estimate of fraud losses.

 Why D is Correct:

Estimating fraud losses is not a standard objective of fraud risk assessments; rather, they focus on identifying and mitigating risks.

 Why Other Options are Correct:

A: Employee behavior is a critical factor in fraud risk.

B: Fraud awareness is a key outcome of the assessment.

C: High-risk designations indicate vulnerability, not confirmed fraud​​.

 Government Auditors' Responsibilities:

Reporting requirements vary depending on jurisdictional laws, regulations, and the specific audit mandates under which the government auditors operate.

Some jurisdictions require direct reporting to oversight agencies, while others may mandate internal reporting within the organization.

 Why D is Correct:

Government auditors' reporting responsibilities are not uniform globally and are tailored to the legislative frameworks of their jurisdictions and the purpose of the audit.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A:Reporting requirements are not uniform for all government auditors.

B:Legal prohibitions on external reporting are uncommon but may vary by jurisdiction.

C:Private and public sector reporting standards differ significantly​​.

 Diane Vaughan's Theory on Organizational Crime:

Vaughan argued that organizational environments prone to crime exhibit a "normalization of deviance," often influenced by management decisions that misalign employee incentives with organizational objectives.

 Why C is Correct:

Misaligned goals create conflicting priorities, increasing the likelihood of unethical behavior to meet individual or team objectives.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A:Challenging the status quo promotes innovation and ethical accountability.

B:Social functions fostering loyalty do not inherently encourage crime​​.

Routine activities theory holds that crime occurs when three elements converge: (1) a motivated offender, (2) a suitable target, and (3) the absence of a capable guardian. “The lack of societal ethics” is not part of this theoretical model.

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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Proactive Fraud Auditing Procedures:

Analytical reviews are effective for identifying large or unusual trends and anomalies, not necessarily small frauds.

Other tools, such as detailed transaction testing, are better suited for uncovering small frauds.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Element of surprise:A key feature of fraud audits.

C. Fraud assessment questioning:Valid as part of the audit process.

D. Management’s intentions:Proactive procedures signal a strong stance against fraud.

Conclusion:Option B is false because analytical reviews are better at detecting significant anomalies rather than small frauds.

Integrity in Fraud Examination:

Integrity involves critical thinking, independence, and prioritizing ethical principles over personal gain. Healthy debate and differences of opinion are integral to maintaining objectivity.

Why Option D is Incorrect:

Avoiding differences of opinion contradicts the need for professional skepticism and robust analysis in fraud examination.

Conclusion:Integrity does not require the avoidance of differences of opinion, making D the correct answer.

Focus of Risk Management:

Risk management seeks to balance the organization's risk appetite (the level of risk it is willing to accept) with its ability to achieve objectives.

Why D is Correct:

Effective risk management aligns the organization's risk tolerance with its strategic and operational goals to ensure sustainability and success.

Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A, B, and C:While internal controls, regulatory requirements, and resources are critical, the primary balance is between risk appetite and objectives​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE Fraud Examination Guide and Risk Management Best Practices​​.

COSO frameworks for internal controls and fraud risk management​​.

Industry guidance on effective deterrence and governance practices​​.

Allowing employees to report fraud anonymously is a best practice in fraud reporting programs. This encourages whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation or reprisal, increasing the likelihood of fraud detection. Transparency about confidentiality policies further supports employee trust in the reporting system.

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The ACFE research consistently finds that the majority of occupational fraudsters are first-time offenders. Specifically, “85% of occupational fraud perpetrators had never been punished or terminated for fraud-related conduct prior to the crimes in this study.”

Purpose of Fraud Risk Assessment:

The goal is to identify vulnerabilities to fraud and implement preventive measures, not to wait for conclusive evidence of fraud before designating high-risk areas.

Proactive Identification:

High-risk areas are identified based on susceptibility to fraud (e.g., lack of controls, high cash transactions), even if no fraud has been detected. This approach allows organizations to act preemptively.

Improving Fraud Awareness:

Employee education and behavior monitoring are integral components of the assessment process to reduce fraud risks.

Incorrect Assumption in D:

Waiting for conclusive evidence contradicts the proactive nature of fraud risk assessment and undermines its preventative function​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE Code of Professional Ethics​​.

Auditor Essentials on fraud prevention and deterrence principles​.

COSO and risk assessment frameworks in internal controls​​.

Rational Choice Theory Overview:

This theory posits that individuals consciously weigh the benefits and risks of committing a crime and make calculated decisions to engage in criminal behavior if the perceived benefits outweigh the risks.

Deterrence Mechanism:

Crime can be deterred by reducing opportunities (e.g., strong internal controls) and increasing the likelihood of detection and punishment (e.g., effective monitoring systems).

Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A. Routine activities theory:Focuses on the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and lack of guardianship.

B. Differential association theory:Explains crime as learned behavior through interaction with others.

D. Social conflict theory:Suggests crime results from societal inequalities and power struggles.

Why C is Correct:

Rational choice theory explicitly addresses crime prevention through increased risks and reduced opportunities​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE Fraud Examination Guide​​.

Criminological theories as applied to fraud prevention and deterrence​​.

Corporate governance frameworks and corruption-related risks​​.

Rational choice theory posits that criminal behavior is a result of deliberate decision-making. According to the ACFE manual:

“Rational choice theory assumes that individuals weigh the expected benefits of committing a crime against the possible consequences. If the perceived benefits outweigh the perceived risks, the individual may choose to offend.”

ACFE research indicates that asset misappropriation schemes, such as theft of cash or inventory, are the most common type of occupational fraud. While they are frequent, they typically result in lower financial losses compared to corruption or financial statement fraud, which are less common but can cause greater financial damage.