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).

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Sample Answer

 

 

 

No, using the word “stole” in a professional fraud investigation report is not ideal. Here’s why:

  • 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.

  • 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.

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

Alternatives and Best Practices:

Here’s how you can rewrite the statement for a more professional tone:

  • Misappropriated funds: This phrase indicates the unauthorized use of money for personal gain, aligning with the essence of fraud.
  • Converted funds: This term highlights the transformation of company funds for unauthorized purposes.
  • Embezzled funds: If evidence suggests the cashier diverted entrusted funds for personal use, embezzlement is a more specific term.
  • Discrepancies in register cash: This neutral statement outlines the observed issue, leaving room for further investigation.

Supporting Sources:

  • ACFE Fraud Examiners Manual (2023 Edition): The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) manual emphasizes the importance of clear and concise reporting. It suggests avoiding legal terms unless their meaning is clearly defined within the report (ACFE, 2023).
  • “How to Write a Fraud Investigation Report” by The Balance Careers: This article highlights objectivity and neutrality as key principles in fraud report writing (Petersen, 2023).

Additional Tips:

  • Always support your conclusions with documented evidence found during the investigation.
  • Use active voice and concise sentence structure for clear communication.
  • Maintain a professional tone throughout the report.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your fraud investigation report is accurate, objective, and uses appropriate language to convey the findings effectively.

References:

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