Free and Premium ACFE CFE-Fraud-Prevention-and-Deterrence Dumps Questions Answers

Routine activities theory identifies three main elements necessary for crime: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians. The lack of accountability for misdeeds is not part of this theory, as it focuses on situational factors that facilitate criminal opportunities rather than broader social or institutional factors.

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 Responsibility of Auditors:

Under International Standards on Auditing (ISA) 240, auditors are required to investigate any indications of fraud, regardless of the materiality of the misstatement.

Evidence of intentional misstatements indicates the potential for broader fraudulent activity, necessitating a reassessment of audit procedures.

 Importance of Fraud Indicators:

Even if the misstatement does not exceed the materiality threshold, it represents a significant risk factor that could compromise the reliability of the financial statements.

 Why B is Correct:

Adjusting audit procedures ensures that the audit team addresses the broader implications of the fraud risk while maintaining professional skepticism and compliance with auditing standards​​.

Corporate Governance Principles:

Transparency refers to disclosing material matters, enabling shareholders to make informed decisions.

This includes providing timely and accurate information about the company's financial performance, risks, and governance practices.

Analysis of Other Options:

B. Fairness: Involves equitable treatment of all shareholders.

C. Responsibility: Focuses on fulfilling legal and ethical obligations.

D. Accountability: Pertains to holding the board and management responsible for their actions.

Conclusion:Transparency ensures shareholders have the necessary information for decision-making.

References:Corporate governance best practices and G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance​​.

Modern Criminological Studies on White-Collar Crime:Studies highlight that white-collar crimes are often influenced by situational factors rather than inherent criminal traits. The availability of organizational opportunities to commit fraud plays a crucial role.

Analysis of Options:

A. Cultural ties: Less significant in white-collar crime.

B. Criminal history: White-collar criminals often have no prior criminal records.

D. Social class: While white-collar crime is associated with higher social classes, the determinant factor is the opportunity presented within an organization.

C. Organizational opportunity: This aligns with the fraud triangle concept, where opportunity is a primary driver.

Conclusion:Organizational opportunity is the determinant aspect of white-collar crime.

References:ACFE study materials and modern criminology texts on white-collar crime​​.

 Key Elements of Routine Activities Theory:

This criminological theory asserts that crime is likely when three conditions converge:

Availability of suitable targets.

Absence of capable guardians (e.g., security or oversight).

Presence of motivated offenders.

 Why C is Correct:

Routine activities theory focuses on the environmental and situational factors that facilitate crime, making it distinct from other criminological theories.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A (Rational choice theory): Focuses on individual decision-making.

B (Differential association theory): Emphasizes learning criminal behavior through interaction.

D (Social control theory): Focuses on societal bonds preventing crime​​.

Steve Albrecht's Research on Fraud Motivation:

Personal factors like "living beyond their means" are commonly cited as a driver of fraudulent behavior.

Organizational factors, such as excessive trust in key employees, create opportunities for fraud by reducing oversight and enabling unethical behavior.

Analysis of Options:

A. High personal debt: This can be a motivator, but it is less common than "living beyond their means."

B. Revenge: Rarely a primary driver of fraud.

D. Desire for recognition: This may motivate some individuals, but it is not as prevalent as financial pressure and opportunity.

Conclusion:Option C reflects the most common personal and organizational factors motivating fraudsters.

References:ACFE's Fraud Triangle and findings from Albrecht's research on fraud motivation​​.

ACFE Code of Professional Ethics on Reporting Findings:

The Code allows fraud examiners to report on deficiencies in controls if these are relevant to their engagement. Highlighting such deficiencies helps improve the organization’s anti-fraud measures.

Why B is Correct:

Black is permitted to express his opinion about deficient controls, even if no fraud is found, as long as his conclusions are based on evidence and within the scope of his professional expertise.

References:

ACFE ethical guidelines encourage examiners to report all relevant findings to promote transparency and improved governance​​.

References for All Questions:

ISA 240 and professional auditing standards on fraud-related responsibilities​​.

ACFE Code of Professional Ethics and Fraud Examination Guide​​.

Principles of professional skepticism in fraud detection and examination​​.

Analysis of Each Scenario:

A. Rodrigo: Reporting unrelated findings without a clear mandate violates principles of focus and relevance under the ACFE Code.

B. Vivian: Overlooking evidence demonstrates a lack of due diligence and professionalism.

C. Tom: Complying with a court order is permissible, but failure to safeguard client confidentiality before receiving the order constitutes a breach.

Ethical Standards:

Each scenario demonstrates a failure to meet the ethical and professional responsibilities outlined in the ACFE Code.

Conclusion:All scenarios represent violations of the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics.

References:ACFE Code of Professional Ethics, particularly diligence and confidentiality provisions​​.

Corporate Governance in Multinational Corporations:

Multinational corporations must adhere to the legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks of each jurisdiction in which they operate. These frameworks may vary significantly across countries.

Why Other Options are Incorrect:

B: There is no Universal Corporate Governance Act applicable globally.

C: G20/OECD Principles provide guidelines but are not mandatory compliance requirements.

D: Operating in multiple jurisdictions increases governance complexity, but does not exempt corporations from compliance.

Why A is Correct:

It reflects the reality of multinational operations, where governance compliance must align with local laws and regulations​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE and Treadway Commission fraud prevention guidelines​​.

ISSAI standards and international governance principles​​.

COSO framework and legal requirements for multinational corporations​​.

 Corruption and Fraud Risks:

Corruption involves abuse of power for personal or organizational gain and includes bribery, kickbacks, and aiding vendor fraud.

 Why B is Correct:

Espionage by competitors is not typically classified as corruption, as it does not directly involve abuse of internal authority or a relationship of trust. It is instead an external threat.

 Other Options:

A, C, and D are classical examples of corruption-related fraud risks​​.

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.

References:ACFE materials on fraud auditing techniques​​.

 Fraud Risk Reduction Objectives:

Inherent fraud risk: The risk present before any controls are applied.

Residual fraud risk: The remaining risk after controls have been implemented.

 Why D is Correct:

The goal of anti-fraud controls is to minimize residual risk to acceptable levels, recognizing that complete elimination of risk is unattainable.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A and C: It is impractical to completely eliminate inherent or residual fraud risks.

B: Residual risk should be lower than inherent risk, but controls aim for significant reduction​

COSO Definition of Internal Control:

COSO defines internal control as a process enacted by an entity's board, management, and personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding objectives in operations, reporting, and compliance.

Analysis of Options:

A. Operational risk assessment: A component of internal control, not the overall process.

C. Fraud risk management: Focuses specifically on fraud risks, a subset of internal control.

D. Financial reporting: A specific objective addressed by internal control.

Conclusion:The correct answer is internal control, as defined by COSO.

References:COSO Internal Control—Integrated Framework​​.

Integration of Fraud Risk Assessment in Audits:

The fraud risk assessment provides valuable input but does not replace the auditor’s independent responsibility to identify and assess fraud risks.

Why B is Correct:

Professional auditing standards require auditors to perform their own risk assessments, and the fraud risk assessment is only a tool to enhance this process.

Why Other Options are Correct:

A, C, and D reflect appropriate uses of fraud risk assessments in the audit process, such as increasing awareness and designing effective audit tests​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE Code of Professional Ethics and Fraud Examination Guide​​.

COSO frameworks for corporate governance and fraud risk management​​.

Standards for incorporating fraud risk assessments into the audit process​​.

 Internal Auditors' Role in Fraud Risk Management:

Internal auditors evaluate management’s commitment to overseeing and addressing fraud risks as part of their assurance role.

 Why A is Correct:

Oversight of fraud risk management is a management responsibility, and internal auditors assess whether this responsibility is effectively retained and executed.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

B: Reporting to regulators is not a core responsibility of internal auditors.

C: Internal auditors provide evaluation, not direct oversight.

D: Attesting financial statement accuracy is the responsibility of external auditors, not internal auditors​​.

Risk assessment is a core component of the COSO Framework and focuses on identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks that could affect the organization's objectives. Andrew's initiative to evaluate threats aligns with this component, as it involves understanding the potential risks and their impact on achieving the organization's goals.

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 Principle Overview:

Responsibility pertains to the duty of an organization to act in the best interest of society, ensuring sustainable and ethical practices that benefit all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the environment.

 Corporate Governance Definition:

Corporate governance frameworks emphasize corporate responsibility as a key pillar for maintaining societal trust and long-term value creation.

 Why Responsibility is Correct:

While transparency, fairness, and accountability are essential, responsibility uniquely emphasizes societal interests and ethical conduct​​.

Key Elements of an Ethics Program:

An effective ethics program involves assessing existing issues, such as ethical leadership gaps, and designing policies and practices to address them.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Restricted access: Ethics policies should be accessible to external parties, including stakeholders, to enhance transparency.

C. Written policy alone: A written policy is insufficient without ongoing communication, training, and leadership support.

D. All of the above: Incorrect because options A and C are not true.

Conclusion:Considering existing ethical leadership issues is critical when designing an effective ethics program.

References:ACFE materials on ethics program design and implementation​​.

Five Components of COSO’s Internal Control Framework:

A. Control activities: Policies and procedures to ensure objectives are met.

C. Risk assessment: Identifying and analyzing risks.

D. Monitoring: Ongoing evaluation of control effectiveness.

Control environment: Includes the tone at the top and organizational ethics.

Information and communication: Facilitates the flow of relevant information.

Explanation of Ethical Culture:

While ethical culture is critical to the control environment, it is not one of the five standalone components of the framework.

Conclusion:Ethical culture is not a separate component but a part of the control environment.

References:COSO Internal Control—Integrated Framework documentation​​.

Behaviorist Theories on Reinforcement:

Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to encourage desired behavior by providing rewards for compliance.

Analysis of Options:

B. Public criticism: May create resentment and decrease morale.

C. Loss of paid time off: A punitive measure that may not motivate improvement.

D. Demotion: Effective for extreme cases but harsh and potentially counterproductive for minor errors.

Conclusion:Offering a bonus for perfect reconciliation aligns with behaviorist principles of positive reinforcement.

References:ACFE behavioral insights and fraud prevention strategies​​.

Diane Vaughan’s Research:

Vaughan highlights that linking employee performance goals with company goals can create undue pressure, fostering an environment where unethical behavior becomes rationalized.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Diversity in hiring: Encourages broader perspectives and does not inherently lead to crime.

B. Rewarding challenges to the status quo: Promotes innovation and integrity, reducing crime risk.

Conclusion:Management’s linking of performance goals with company goals is the factor most associated with increased crime inclination.

References:ACFE criminological studies and Diane Vaughan’s findings​​.

ACFE Code of Professional Ethics Overview:

The Code explicitly prohibits unethical behavior, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and illegal activities. However, drawing evidence-based conclusions is encouraged as part of professional practice.

Why B is Correct:

Drawing conclusions based on evidence is central to the fraud examination process and is explicitly supported by ACFE standards.

Why Other Options are Prohibited:

A, C, and D: Engaging in unethical, conflicting, or illegal activities violates ACFE ethical guidelines​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE Fraud Examination Guide and Code of Professional Ethics​​.

Best practices for fraud risk assessment and reporting​​.

Reporting standards and ethics in fraud examination​​.

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.

References:ACFE fraud risk assessment guidance​​.

 Treadway Commission Recommendations:

The National Commission on Fraudulent Financial Reporting (Treadway Commission) issued guidelines to strengthen financial reporting integrity and reduce fraud risks.

One key recommendation was to ensure that the audit committee is well-resourced and has sufficient authority to oversee financial reporting processes effectively.

 Audit Committee Role:

An adequately empowered audit committee improves oversight, supports the internal audit function, and ensures proper implementation of controls to prevent and detect fraud.

 Why D is Correct:

This recommendation directly addresses the reduction of fraud probability by enhancing oversight capabilities​​.

 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​​.

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​​.

Findings from the 2020 Report to the Nations:

A. Complaints about management: Not the most common red flag; lifestyle changes, such as living beyond means, are more common.

B. Gender of fraudsters: The report consistently shows that men commit more occupational frauds than women.

C. Median losses by executives vs. staff: Losses caused by executives are significantly higher.

D. Past offenses: Most fraudsters do not have a prior fraud-related disciplinary history.

Conclusion:Option B aligns with the findings of the 2020 Report to the Nations.

References:2020 ACFE Report to the Nations​​.

Fraud Triangle and Employee Support Programs:

The Fraud Triangle identifies pressure, opportunity, and rationalization as the key elements contributing to fraud.

Employee support programs help alleviate pressures, such as financial stress or workplace dissatisfaction, which could lead employees to commit fraud.

Analysis of Options:

A. Rationalization: Not addressed directly by support programs.

B. Lack of integrity: Focuses on individual ethics, not pressures.

C. Opportunity: Mitigated through controls, not support programs.

Conclusion:Employee support programs address the pressure element of the Fraud Triangle.

References:ACFE Fraud Triangle framework​​.

Fraud Reporting Program Best Practices:

Ensuring anonymity encourages employees to report fraud without fear of retaliation. This enhances the effectiveness of the reporting program.

Why D is Correct:

Communicating confidentiality builds trust and increases participation in the fraud reporting program.

Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A: Fraud risks are not limited to organization size.

B: Restricting reports to immediate supervisors may create barriers.

C: Holding employees accountable for unsubstantiated tips discourages reporting.

References:

ACFE’s recommendations for successful fraud reporting systems emphasize confidentiality and employee trust​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE Fraud Examination Guide​​.

COSO framework and ISA auditing standards​​.

Industry best practices for fraud prevention, governance, and due diligence​​.

 Definition of Corporate Governance:

Corporate governance establishes the framework for decision-making and accountability within an organization. It includes roles, rights, and responsibilities of stakeholders such as the board, management, and shareholders.

 Why D is Correct:

The governance structure formalizes the distribution of roles and ensures clarity in accountability and oversight.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A: Fraud risk management supports governance but is not its foundation.

B: Governance encompasses more than financial reporting accuracy.

C: Governance practices are essential even when owners are setting strategy​​.

 Board Responsibilities in Fraud Risk Management:

The board plays a critical role in overseeing the organization's fraud risk management activities to ensure accountability and effective governance.

 Why A is Correct:

The board provides high-level oversight but does not typically involve itself in the design or implementation of the fraud risk management program.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

B and D: Design and implementation are management responsibilities.

C: Punishment of fraud perpetrators is not directly within the board's purview​​.

Internal Auditor's Role in Fraud Risk Management:

Internal auditors are not directly responsible for establishing or maintaining anti-fraud controls (Option D). This responsibility lies with management.

They are also not responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance that financial statements are free of fraud (Option A). This is the role of external auditors.

Oversight of management's fraud risk actions (Option B) is primarily a governance role, not the auditor's direct responsibility.

Internal auditors focus on identifying and assessing fraud risks, evaluating controls, and recommending further action when necessary.

Conclusion:Option C aligns with the internal auditor's responsibilities as per the standards outlined in the ACFE's fraud risk management framework.

References:ACFE documentation on internal auditing responsibilities and fraud risk assessments​​.

Elements of Routine Activities Theory:

This theory posits that crime occurs when three elements converge:

Availability of suitable targets.

Absence of capable guardians.

Presence of motivated offenders.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Conditioning theory: Focuses on learned behaviors through reinforcement.

C. Rational choice theory: Examines decision-making processes of offenders.

D. Social control theory: Relates to societal bonds preventing deviant behavior.

Conclusion:Routine activities theory best explains the convergence of these elements leading to crime.

References:Criminological theories referenced in ACFE study materials​​.

Hierarchy of Ethical Guidance Sources:

A. Contract law: Provides legal guidance on business agreements.

C. ACFE Code of Professional Ethics: Offers specific ethical standards for fraud examiners.

D. Philosophical principles: Offer foundational guidance on ethics.

B. Family and friends: While valuable for personal advice, they are the lowest reference point in determining professional ethics.

Conclusion:Guidance from family and friends is the lowest level of reference for determining ethical actions.

References:ACFE standards on ethical decision-making​​.

 Definition of Professional Skepticism:

Professional skepticism requires maintaining a questioning mindset and critically assessing evidence throughout the fraud examination process.

 Why D is Correct:

Professional skepticism ensures that fraud examiners remain vigilant and rely on evidence to conclude whether fraud has occurred or not. It is dispelled only when sufficient evidence supports a clear conclusion.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A: While skepticism is critical, it does not mean refusing to acknowledge credible evidence.

B: Assuming no fraud occurred contradicts the principle of skepticism.

C: Hypotheses should consider the nature of the assignment and available information​​.

COSO Definition of Internal Control:

COSO defines internal control as a process executed by an entity’s board, management, and personnel to provide reasonable assurance about achieving objectives in operations, reporting, and compliance.

Analysis of Options:

A. Corporate compliance: Corporate compliance focuses on adhering to laws and regulations, not the broader operational objectives.

B. Fraud risk management: This is a component of internal control, not its definition.

C. Risk assessment: This is a step within the internal control process but not the overarching process.

D. Internal control: Matches the COSO definition accurately.

Conclusion:Internal control is the correct answer as defined by COSO.

References:COSO Internal Control Framework documentation​​.

Understanding Compliance Theory:

Compliance theory emphasizes preventing crime through incentives for voluntary adherence to laws and proactive administrative measures.

By addressing potential violations early, compliance theory aims to deter criminal behavior before it occurs.

Application of the Theory:

Examples include economic benefits for following regulations and monitoring mechanisms to identify early signs of noncompliance.

Conclusion:The statement accurately describes compliance theory.

References:Criminological theories as outlined in ACFE study materials​​.

Fraud Risk Management Program Requirements:

Effective fraud risk management programs ensure transparency, consistency, and fairness.

Sanctions for noncompliance should be transparent and communicated to demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

Analysis of Options:

A. Mechanisms for breaches: Necessary to address compliance issues.

B. Consistent and firm punishment: Ensures a deterrent effect.

D. Designated compliance monitors: Vital for program enforcement.

C. Enacted privately: This is false because transparency is essential to maintain trust and deter similar actions.

Conclusion:Option C is false as formal sanctions should be communicated appropriately to promote deterrence and accountability.

References:ACFE materials on fraud risk management and enforcement practices​​.

Internal Audit Reporting Responsibilities:

Internal audit must maintain open communication with senior management and the board to ensure appropriate handling of fraud-related issues.

Establishing reporting protocols in advance ensures timely and consistent responses when fraud occurs.

Analysis of Other Options:

B. Periodic reporting is optional: Reporting fraud risks is a required responsibility.

C. Non-disclosure: Fails to fulfill the role of internal audit in governance and accountability.

D. No communication with the board: Misrepresents the internal audit's role in fraud oversight.

Conclusion:Discussing reporting protocols proactively with senior management and the board is the correct approach.

References:ACFE guidelines and internal audit reporting standards​​.

Integrity in Fraud Examination:

Integrity involves trustworthiness, ethical behavior, and transparency. Admitting errors is a critical part of maintaining professional integrity.

Why D is Correct:

Refusal to admit errors is inconsistent with the ethical and professional standards of fraud examination.

Why Other Options are True:

A, B, and C align with the principles of integrity, emphasizing honesty, ethics, and impartiality​​.

References for All Questions:

COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework​​.

ACFE Code of Professional Ethics and fraud examination best practices​​.

Strategies for fraud prevention and detection from professional auditing standards​​.

Overview of Compliance Programs:An effective compliance program requires clear communication, enforcement, and promotion of ethical standards within an organization. Promoting compliance involves setting up positive incentives, such as rewards for ethical behavior, to encourage adherence to policies and regulations.

Role of Incentives:

Incentives serve as motivators for employees to align with the compliance culture. Examples include bonuses for meeting compliance goals, recognition for ethical behavior, and career advancement opportunities tied to compliance performance.

The U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations emphasize that for a compliance program to be effective, it must include incentives to encourage proper behavior and discipline to deter violations.

Supporting Reference Materials:

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) highlights the importance of integrating incentives into compliance programs. These incentives are seen as essential for fostering a culture of ethics and preventing fraud.

Industry standards and frameworks, such as COSO’s "Internal Control - Integrated Framework," also stress the integration of incentives to promote adherence to internal controls and compliance standards​​.

Importance of Positive Reinforcement:

Positive reinforcement through incentives leads to higher employee morale, enhanced commitment to ethical practices, and a reduced likelihood of non-compliance.

A compliance program that merely penalizes non-compliance without rewarding adherence can fail to motivate employees to prioritize compliance.

Application in Fraud Prevention:

By actively incentivizing compliance, organizations can proactively mitigate risks of fraud and unethical practices. This aligns employees’ personal goals with the organization’s ethical standards.

References:

ACFE’s Fraud Prevention Guidelines​​.

COSO Framework for Internal Controls​​.

Relevant sections from Auditor Essentials and Excel for Auditors supporting the implementation of compliance measures​​.

Impact of Specialized Departments on Fraud Risk:While specialization improves operational efficiency, it can also create silos, reducing oversight and coordination. This fragmentation may increase the overall fraud risk.

Key Considerations:

Fraud often occurs in areas where controls and communication are weak. Specialized departments may inadvertently facilitate fraud by isolating information.

Cross-departmental collaboration and centralized controls are essential to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion:The existence of many specialized departments increases the risk of fraud if not properly managed.

References:ACFE recommendations on risk management and departmental coordination​​.

Risks Associated with Specialized Departments:

While specialization improves efficiency, it can create silos that hinder communication, coordination, and oversight, increasing fraud risk.

Isolated departments may lack cross-functional checks and balances.

Conclusion:Specialized departments often increase fraud risk if not managed with proper controls and oversight.

References:ACFE materials on fraud risk management and departmental structures​​.

Government auditors, like their private-sector counterparts, must adhere to International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 240, which provides guidance on the auditor’s responsibilities related to fraud. This standard applies to both private- and public-sector audits, emphasizing the importance of addressing risks of material misstatement due to fraud. Alicia must carefully evaluate fraud risks and incorporate relevant procedures, as mandated by ISA 240, ensuring a comprehensive audit approach.

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The ACFE Code of Professional Ethics explicitly prohibits CFEs from participating in activities that create undisclosed conflicts of interest. This ensures that the examiner’s objectivity and independence remain intact throughout the investigation. While CFEs are allowed to provide professional opinions based on evidence and engage in legal activities, they must always disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

This scenario is an example of punishment. Punishment involves introducing a consequence (in this case, the loss of responsibility for cross-departmental projects) to discourage undesirable behavior. The manager uses this approach to address Devon’s negative attitude and to promote better cooperation with other departments in the future.

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Composition of Fraud Risk Assessment Teams:

Effective teams require diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to identify and address fraud risks comprehensively.

Why C is Incorrect:

Limiting team size to three individuals restricts diversity and may not provide sufficient expertise for a thorough assessment. Larger teams, with a range of skills, are often necessary.

Why Other Options are Correct:

A: Experience in gathering information is critical for the effectiveness of the team.

B: Including external experts adds objectivity.

D: Diverse perspectives enhance the assessment's scope​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE Fraud Examination Guide and Standards​​.

ISA standards on audit procedures and unpredictability​​.

Fraud risk assessment guidelines from COSO and ACFE resources​​.

Understanding Behaviorism and Punishment:

Behaviorists like B. F. Skinner argue that punishment temporarily suppresses undesired behaviors rather than eliminating them.

Once the punitive stimulus is removed, the behavior is likely to reappear unless it is replaced with a more desirable behavior through reinforcement.

Analysis of Options:

B. Permanently suppressed: This contradicts the principles of behaviorism, as punishment alone does not permanently modify behavior.

C. Occur more frequently: Punishment typically decreases behavior temporarily.

D. Not affected by punishment: Punishment impacts behavior, but the effect is often temporary.

Conclusion:The most likely outcome is that the behavior will return once the punishment ceases.

References:ACFE resources on behavioral psychology and fraud prevention strategies​​.