Fraud investigation report
You are finalizing your fraud investigation report and as you are reading it over you note that several times you have made the statement that the cashier “stole” money from the register. Is this acceptable when writing a fraud investigation report? If so, why is this acceptable, if not how would you rewrite the statement? Be sure to back up your opinions with examples and authoritative sources (including peer reviewed articles from the library, Fraud Examiners Manual, etc).
Sample Answer
No, using the word “stole” in a professional fraud investigation report is not ideal. Here’s why:
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Legal Terminology: Fraud investigations require precise language. “Stole” is a legal term with a specific meaning and may not accurately reflect the nuances of the situation. It might trigger legal interpretations beyond the scope of your investigation.
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Neutrality and Objectivity: Fraud reports should be objective and avoid accusatory language. “Stole” implies intent and guilt, which may not be definitively proven in your investigation.