Fraud Talk

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins interviews Fraud Magazine Assistant Editor Crystal Zuzek, co-author of "Under Pressure". They explore the rising fraud risks facing Gen Z and millennials, both as victims and as perpetrators. From emotionally manipulative scams like sextortion to friendly fraud and the glamorization of con artists, Zuzek shares insight and real stories that reveal how digital lifestyles and economic pressures are shaping the next generation.

Whistleblowers are often key to uncovering fraud—but what happens after they report? In this episode of Fraud Talk, Jacqueline Garrick, founder of Whistleblowers of America and the Workplace Promise Institute, shares her journey from whistleblower to advocate. From moral injury to PTSD, Garrick shares how peer support and trauma-informed workplaces can protect whistleblowers and strengthen fraud prevention efforts.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins speaks with Victor Cardona, adjunct professor of forensic accounting at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to discuss their “Day in the Life of an IRS Agent” program. The initiative immerses students in real-world forensic accounting and criminal investigation scenarios, offering a hands-on look at careers in fraud prevention and compliance. Cardona shares how interactive education, mentorship and networking are key to inspiring the next generation of anti-fraud professionals—and why promoting ethical standards early on is essential in shaping the future workforce.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Communications Director John Duffley sits down with Mason Wilder, CFE, ACFE Research Director, to break down the newly released In-House Fraud Investigation Teams: 2025 Benchmarking Report. Dive into a detailed discussion on how organizations are structuring their fraud teams—from the increasing number of investigators to the unique challenges they face across different company sizes. Learn about the role of in-house teams versus outsourced investigations, the evolving skill sets required in today's complex fraud landscape and the critical balance between case volume and team efficiency.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing fraud prevention in the banking industry, enhancing detection and risk management. But with these advancements come new challenges—fraudsters using AI to exploit vulnerabilities, biases in algorithms and the need for regulatory adaptation. In this episode, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins speaks with fraud expert Kennedy Meda about the impact of AI on banking fraud, the balance between automation and human oversight and how financial institutions can stay ahead of emerging threats.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, John Warren, CEO of the ACFE, and Jennifer Liebman, Editor-in-Chief of Fraud Magazine, delve into some of 2024's most scandalous fraud cases. From Boeing's guilty plea tied to deadly aviation crashes to Vietnam's sentencing of a real estate tycoon to death for embezzlement, they explore the global implications of these high-profile frauds. Tune in to understand the evolving nature of fraud, including the role of AI and platforms like TikTok in modern schemes, and uncover critical lessons for prevention and compliance.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Research Specialist Sam May interviews Patrick Gushue, Acting Director of the Department of Justice's Corporate Whistleblower Awards pilot program. Together, they delve into the program's mission to uncover corporate crime by empowering whistleblowers and fostering a culture of accountability. Patrick provides an in-depth look at the program's focus on internal reporting, compliance frameworks and innovative incentives designed to encourage reporting of misconduct.

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 NoFraudLatin, 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 Kenny & 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.

In this special edition of Fraud Talk, we focus on the ACFE's annual round-up featured in Fraud Magazine, a highlight anticipated by many in the industry. This year, we offer you an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process of selecting the top five most scandalous frauds of 2023. Join John Warren, CEO of the ACFE, and Jennifer Liebman, Assistant Editor of Fraud Magazine, as they meticulously unravel each case, providing an in-depth analysis and insight into the complexities and implications of these notable frauds

Belinda Kitos, CFE, CICA and president of SCF Inc., was elected as treasurer of her homeowners association, but when she opened the books she discovered a $1.2 million fraud in her own backyard. In this month's episode of Fraud Talk, Kitos and Jason Zirkle, training director of the ACFE, explore their own experiences investigating HOA fraud and the red flags of these schemes.

The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) estimates conservatively that healthcare fraud costs the U.S. approximately $68 billion annually. Why is there so much fraud and abuse with insurance claims and why has this problem gone on so long? In this month's episode of Fraud Talk, Paul Kilby, Editor in Chief of Fraud Magazine, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in combatting healthcare fraud with Theja Birur, Chief Technology Officer and founder of 4L Data Intelligence. 

In this haunting episode of Fraud Talk, investigate the ghostly disappearance of Phases, Inc., a Tennessee nonprofit dedicated to helping women with substance abuse issues. Tune in with Michael Booher, CFE, CPA from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and Rihonna Scoggins, ACFE Community Manager, to discover how this ghost story unfolds and the truths lurking in Phases, Inc.'s shadows.

"We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty" is an all-too-common robocall scam aiming to bilk victims out of their money. Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail, discusses the intricacies of robocalls, what differentiates beneficial robocalls from scams and the regulations that both aid and obstruct the fight against these schemes with Jennifer Lieberman, assistant editor of Fraud Magazine, in the latest episode of Fraud Talk.

Tom Cronkright, the lead witness in the FBI's inditement of Black Axe, an international cybercrime syndicate based out of Nigeria, speaks with ACFE President John Gill, CFE, in this month's episode of Fraud Talk. As the co-founder of CertifID and CEO of a title agency, Tom has been at the forefront of helping the real estate industry address payments fraud and discusses his experience as a victim of fraud and the operations of the international fraud group he helped indict.

In this month's episode of Fraud Talk, the Chief Training Officer for the ACFE, John Gill, CFE, meets with David Fleck, Esq., business and real estate attorney who represents victims of business, real estate and investment fraud in lawsuits to recover their money, property and dignity. They discuss trends in real estate fraud including investment fraud, title theft and deed fraud, mortgage fraud and wire transfer fraud.

In Episode 133 of Fraud Talk, Editor in Chief of Fraud Magazine Paul Kilby speaks with Kathryn Westmore, the Senior Research Fellow for the Center for Financial Crime and Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, a military and defense think tank in the U.K. Kathryn discusses the increase in fraud in the U.K., government initiatives and the balance between data sharing and data privacy.    

In Episode 132 of Fraud Talk, ACFE Research Specialist Sam May meets with Rob Sand, the Iowa State Auditor. Rob speaks about the Hot Lotto fraud scandal he prosecuted, totaling more than $25 million, as well as helping the state of Iowa improve their systems and processes to better investigate and audit potential frauds.

In Episode 131 of Fraud Talk, Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles field office of the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation division, joins ACFE Communications Manager John Duffley. Tyler reflects on the IRS-CI division's growth during his 21 years, the process behind evaluating allegations and pursuing criminal cases, growing uses of cryptocurrencies, common tax fraud schemes, the impacts of the CARES Act and Inflation Reduction Act, and much more.

In this episode, Jenny Radcliffe, aka "The People Hacker," discusses her expertise as an ethical social engineer, honing those skills at an early age on the streets of Liverpool, and unique challenges she has faced over the years.  Joining ACFE Community Manager Rihonna Scoggins during Women's History Month, Jenny explains how being a woman in her field and gender biases she has observed played a significant role in understanding the "human element" behind social engineering. Her new book "People Hacker: Confessions of a Burglar for Hire" is available now in the U.K.

In Episode 129 of Fraud Talk, Tony McClements, the Head of Investigations at Martin Kenney & Co., discusses his career trajectory through three decades in law enforcement to the private practice cases he oversees today. Joining ACFE Communications Manager John Duffley, Tony outlines the challenges between both types of investigations, the benefits to building a team of young, up-and-coming investigators, and emerging technologies and data reports that can be utilized for complex cases.

In this episode, the ACFE's Chief Training Officer John Gill sat down with Charles Antonucci, the former president of The Park Avenue Bank, who was convicted in 2015 of trying to defraud the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Antonucci also pleaded guilty to other charges including self-dealing, bribery, embezzlement of bank funds, and a multi-million fraud scheme involving an insurance company. *The ACFE does not compensate convicted fraudsters.

In this episode, ACFE Community Manager Rihonna Scoggins reads a case study submitted by Eduardo “Ed” Cuyos. The case study follows Ed's investigation into fraudulent activities previously missed by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and the Department of Defense Inspector General (DODIG).

International Fraud Awareness Week provides space to highlight fraud prevention and detection initiatives at companies around the world. Thousands of groups have pledged as Supporting Organizations over the past 22 years, with more doing their part ahead of Fraud Week 2022, held on November 13-19. Bruce Dorris, President and CEO at the ACFE, sits down with John Duffley, the ACFE's Communications Manager, to discuss how you can participate in Fraud Week, the annual ACFE Board of Regents voting cycle, and what lies ahead as the ACFE enters its 35th year. 

In Episode 125 of Fraud Talk, ACFE Training Director Jason Zirkle, CFE, is joined by military veterans from around the world to share their backgrounds and how their experiences have aided them in their roles as CFEs and anti-fraud professionals. Collins Wanderi, CFE, Bill Stakes, CFE, and Monica Meeks, CFE, discuss the tools they've gained and advice they offer to veterans and active-duty military members looking to earn their CFE credential.  Visit ACFE.com for more anti-fraud resources and training. 

Eddie Antar founded the Crazy Eddie electronics retail chain in Brooklyn, New York, which rose to prominence across the New York-New Jersey area throughout the 1970s. Operating undetected for years, Eddie's business practices were grounded in fraud from the very beginning. In Episode 124 of Fraud Talk, Gary Weiss, author of “Retail Gangster: The Insane, Real-Life Story of Crazy Eddie,” discusses this wide-ranging fraud case and ultimate unraveling with ACFE Chief Training Officer John Gill, J.D., CFE.  Visit ACFE.com for more anti-fraud resources. 

In the fight against fraud, it can be hard to remember why we do it, especially when the fraudsters never seem to quit. Associate professor of accounting, taxation and business law at SUNY Old Westbury, Dr. David Glodstein, began the Justice for Fraud Victims Project to teach his students -- and remind fraud examiners -- who we're fighting for: the victims. In this episode, join Dr. Glodstein, CFE, and Kate Pospisil, CFE, the Communications Specialist at the ACFE, as they discuss the Justice for Fraud Victims Project, why programs like this matter and what we can do to further the fight for justice.

The intersection of cyber security and fraud examination is ever-expanding in our new technological landscape. At the 33rd Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference, ACFE Research Manager Mason Wilder, CFE, and Deputy Superintendent and Director of the Intelligence Unit at the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), Roderick Chambers sat down to discuss the importance of technical controls and knowledge to protect your organization from fraud. 

Washington State's Largest Ponzi Scheme was the catalyst for Tod McDonald, CPA to start his company and push for innovation in financial e-discovery. Years later, he and Garth Leonard, CFE, from Valid8 Financial, join ACFE Community Manager Rihonna Scoggins to explore the current resources at hand to combat fraud and how fraud examiners can assess what tools are the right fit for them in this evolving landscape.

William Shakespeare is widely considered to be one of the most prolific and influential writers of all time. But one group of individuals, who call themselves “Oxfordians” and their theory the "Shakespeare Authorship Question," falsely claim that what we know to be Shakespeare's plays and poetry were actually penned by someone else. In this episode, ACFE Chief Training Officer John Gill, J.D., CFE, joins Michael Pocalyko, CFE, the CEO of SI, as they look at how the qualities of those claiming to disprove Shakespeare's authorship parallel the character of financial and investment fraudsters.

While victims of traditional identity theft often catch it quickly, victims of medical identity theft may not know they are victims until they need critical medical treatment. In this episode, Scott Ward, CFE, senior vice president at Qlarant, discusses the insidious nature of medical identity theft, the impact it has on its victims and what people and governments can do to help combat it.

In this episode, Jim Ducharme, COO of Outseer, a leading technology company in the fight against payment fraud, speaks on the rise of Buy Now Pay Later services and how fraudsters are exploiting these new avenues of credit. He also discusses identity assurance and how companies are working to combat payment fraud without adding hurdles for consumers. 

“In this episode, Larry Nielsen, a detective who has spent the last several years teaching himself about cryptocurrencies, shares advice for fraud examiners who are interested in expanding their toolkits to accommodate cryptocurrency investigations. He also discusses some of his experiences tracing cryptocurrencies in both a law enforcement capacity and as a consultant.”

In this episode, renowned tech journalist and podcast host Takara Small discusses what the future of data breaches, cybercrime and cryptocurrency might look like for both individuals and organizations. She also speaks about the role online media plays in exposing fraud and the importance of supporting women, BIPOC and young people breaking into the tech space.

During the 2021 ACFE Fraud Conference Canada, the founder of Sheriff Consulting, Garth Sheriff, CPA, discussed the importance of psychological safety for ethical decision-making — and how the lack of it in an organization can lead to disaster.

In this special episode released during International Fraud Awareness Week, Chris Ekimoff, CFE, CPA/CFF, director of financial investigations and dispute services at RSM and co-host of the inSecurities podcast, and Mandy Moody, CFE, ACFE communications manager, discuss the latest and greatest highlights from the trial of former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes. Chris and Mandy provide background and analysis on the many facets of the Theranos tale, review the implications of the previously-settled matter with the SEC in 2017 and discuss common issues with the legal system regarding allegations of fraud. www.fraudweek.com

In this episode, Dr. Vince Haecker, assistant special agent-in-charge for the U.S. Department of the Interior- Office of Inspector General, discusses why it's pivotal to trust your instincts as an investigator and empower those around you to ask questions when something doesn't seem right. He also stresses the importance of communication with other departments in your organization and staying objective while researching.

In this episode, the authors of "The Key Man," Simon Clark and Will Louch, detail how they discovered and exposed the misdeeds of a larger than life business mogul who duped the people and world around him. ACFE Vice President and General Counsel John Warren, J.D., CFE, talks with the Wall Street Journal reporters about the investigation and arrest of Abraaj founder Arif Naqvi .

In this episode, the president and co-founder of Verracy, Mary Breslin, CFE, discusses a case she investigated where an employee stole $1.8 million after being overly interested in auditing processes. After being tipped off when she saw he purchased an expensive sports car, she shares lessons she learned from the case.

In this episode, Mason Wilder, CFE, ACFE Senior Research Specialist, and Mandy Moody, CFE, ACFE Communications Manager, discuss the "sting of the century." Operation Trojan Shield was a collaboration between the U.S. FBI and DEA, the Swedish and Australian police, Europol and other global organizations to infiltrate an encrypted chat platform. The operation led to 800 arrests, 700 house searches, the seizure of drugs and firearms, and an ongoing list of money laundering revelations.

June 2021 - During the closing session of the 32nd Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference, John Gill, vice president of education at the ACFE, spoke with convicted fraudster* Brett Johnson, who shared stories from his life as a cybercriminal. After being placed on the United States Most Wanted List, captured and convicted of 39 felonies, he escaped prison. Captured again, Johnson served his time and accepted responsibility.   *The ACFE does not compensate convicted fraudsters

Diedra Jackson, founder and manager of Opus Strategies, discusses the intersection of compliance, ethics and culture when building a diversity, equity and inclusion program within an organization. She shares actionable advice and real-life examples of how to not just check the boxes, but make a real and lasting shift in company culture.

One of the most covered topics so far in 2021 has been non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. In this Fraud Talk podcast, ACFE Senior Research Specialist Mason Wilder, CFE, talks to OSINT researcher extraordinaire and artist Kirby Plessas, CFE, to cover what NFTs are and the fraud implications of their rapid emergence into the public consciousness.