Fraud Talk

Join ACFE Public Relations Specialist Stefanie Hallgren in this episode of Fraud Talk, as she dives in with Brandi Pritchard, Assistant Director of Special Investigations at the Washington State Auditor's Office. With International Fraud Awareness Week on the horizon, Pritchard shares the story behind the Auditor’s Office’s dedication to fraud prevention and the unique challenges they face, especially within smaller government entities. From engaging tactics that bring fraud awareness to the community to the “trust but verify” approach that underscores their work, Pritchard reveals how Fraud Week creates a ripple effect inspiring both vigilance and accountability.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Mason Wilder sits down with Marta Cadavid, founder of NoFraud Latam, to explore the unique challenges of detecting and preventing fraud in Latin America. Cadavid shares her journey, including the creation of a Latin American-specific fraud tree, and how cultural nuances shape the approach to fraud communication. They discuss the vital role of artificial intelligence in analyzing human behavior and predicting fraudulent actions.

Mary Ann Miller, a seasoned cybersecurity and fraud expert, joins Rihonna Scoggins, ACFE Content Manager, on Fraud Talk to dissect the evolving threat landscape of identity fraud and the cutting-edge strategies organizations can deploy to combat it. Miller emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional identity validation methods, focusing instead on diverse attributes and signals to confirm authenticity. They explore the future of passwordless security, highlighting its potential to enhance both security and user experience.

Eddie Miro, author of 'Outlaw Summer, Cyber Dreams: The Hacker's Journey Through Crime and Redemption,' joins John Gill, President of the ACFE, on Fraud Talk to share his story of transformation from hacker to educator. Eddie opens up about his troubled family background and his descent into criminal activities, including cybercrime. They delve into the critical topics of physical security, social engineering and the importance of user awareness training for small to medium-sized companies.

Amanda Holden, a partner with Deloitte's Financial Crimes, joins Samuel May, ACFE research specialist, on Fraud Talk to uncover the intricacies of fraud prevention and program integrity in the Canadian public sector. They navigate the crucial role of proactive prevention and detection, addressing the unique challenges faced by public entities in a rapidly evolving fraud landscape. Holden explores the essential COSO framework, emphasizing the balance between expediency and robust fraud controls. Dive into Holdens’s expert insights on breaking down cultural barriers, enhancing information sharing and leveraging cutting-edge data analytics and technology.

Javier Leiva, a writer, investigative journalist, producer and podcaster, joins Jason Zirkle, ACFE Training Director, on Fraud Talk to discuss the use of OSINT in investigations. They delve into the challenges, ethical considerations and future of OSINT investigations. Listen in as Leiva shares insights and tips for leveraging OSINT effectively and responsibly, and delves into the myth of Frank Abagnale.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Tony McClements, Head of Investigations at Martin Kenney & Co., delves into the infamous U.K. Post Office scandal with ACFE Content Manager, Rihonna Scoggins. As McClements unravels the layers of this miscarriage of justice, he discusses the critical failures of the Horizon IT system and the damaging effects of withheld disclosures during legal proceedings.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Andi McNeal, VP of Education for the ACFE, and ACFE Research Director, Mason Wilder, delve into the critical insights of Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations, discussing its evolution, consistent themes and groundbreaking findings. They explore the significance of tips and internal controls in detecting fraud, the increased median losses attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift towards web-based reporting mechanisms. Concluding with actionable advice, the episode underscores the value of the report in enhancing anti-fraud programs and heightening fraud awareness within organizations.

In this month’s episode of Fraud Talk, Rihonna Scoggins, ACFE Content Manager, sits down with Amii Barnard-Bahn, an acclaimed coach for legal and compliance executives, to dissect the nuances of navigating difficult conversations as anti-fraud professionals. Barnard-Bahn outlines a six-step strategy to not only prepare the messenger but also to prime the audience, ensuring a blend of empathy and clarity. From psychological readiness to the rehearsal of delivery and understanding the influence of gender dynamics, this episode is packed with insights.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins meets with Christian Focacci, CEO and Founder of Threat Digital, to discuss the future of risk management and compliance software. The discussion delves into the groundbreaking advancements in large language models, their role in processing unstructured text and the critical importance of explainability in AI-driven solutions. Focacci also addresses the issue of AI washing and offers practical advice for companies and fraud examiners on integrating AI to optimize processes.