Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, is the founder and Chairman of the ACFE. Contact him at jwells@ACFE.com.
Jim Ratley: The real deal
I’m taking over this column just this once to tell you that ACFE President James D. Ratley’s autobiography, “Policing Fraud” is finally out. It’s a terrific read as you’ll see for yourself. But even in his own words, the book can’t quite capture Jim’s essence. If there’s anyone who knows, it would be me — we’ve been together over 31 years.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
How Ponzi Prospered: Famous Scheme Produced Millions Before Pyramid Collapsed
Charles Ponzi, an immigrant from Italy to Boston, Mass., wasn't the first to foist an illegal pyramid scheme on the public but he did manage to develop it into a fine art. Most fraud examiners know about his investment swindle (after all, it warrants a dictionary entry) but few know the specifics. This excerpt, adapted from "Frankensteins of Fraud," by Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA (Obsidian Publishing Company, Inc. ©2000), describes the scam that bears his name, and his eventual demise.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
The Hypnotic Cassie Chadwick
The story of Cassie Chadwick, excerpted from the book, "Frankensteins of Fraud," by Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
The Demise of Cassie
This article concludes the story of Cassie Chadwick begun in the September/October 2000 issue. It is excerpted from “Frankensteins of Fraud,” by Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
Corruption in Collegiate Sports
Internal audit departments are challenged by the often unbridled power of college athletic departments, but must still seek ways to implement appropriate checks and balances to help ensure the integrity of their organizations.
Written By: Dick Carozza, CFE, Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
Global fraud is the same — legal systems aren't
Fraud examiners are increasingly tackling complicated cases that simultaneously involve several nations. We must look for legal guidance for our organizations’ cross-border operations. Here’s a start.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
Ancient Corruption
This fraudulent practice - older than time - can be summed up simply in two sentences: "If someone is taking payoffs, then they're doing something they shouldn't officially be doing. Look for what that something is, and you'll find the answer."
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
Check This Out
The executive secretary of a local charity was beloved for her hard work and generous nature. Unfortunately, she was working hard to tamper with the organization's checks so she could be generous to herself.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
The Rewards of Dishonesty
Lies told in a heartbeat can have permanent and irreversible consequences. One instance of rationalized dishonesty can lead to a pattern of fraud.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
Breaking Tradition in the Auditing Profession
Established auditing approaches cannot adequately detect financial statement fraud. The ACFE proposes a Model Organizational Fraud Deterrence Program as an alternate, more effective strategy for both auditors and investors.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
Green Cards for Sale
Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, founder and Chairman of the ACFE, writes about a case early in his FBI career that taught him more than investigative techniques.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
10 pointers for fighting fraud
Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, founder and Chairman of the ACFE, offered suggestions for fraud examiners during the 25th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference, his last.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
White-Collar Time for White-Collar Crime
ACFE Founder and Chairman, Dr. Joseph T. Wells, questions the effectiveness of incarceration for white-collar crimes as a means of deterrence and explores alternative punishments for high-profile white-collar criminals.
Written By: Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA
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