Memorable cases, part 1

"Tell me a story." That command probably was one of your first sentences as a toddler. You wanted word pictures in your head. Colorful characters. Plots of bad guys, suspenseful situations, and good men and women to the rescue. Now, if you're pressed to admit it, you still like a good story. Only this time you need to know how a fraudster committed a crime. And how the fraud examiner discovered evidence, investigated subjects, learned lessons and gave recommendations.

Well, we've got a few bedtime stories for you. (See "It's their nature to defraud" at the end of this article.)

These cases perch on many of the limbs of the ACFE Fraud Tree and some of the branches. But take note: They aren't just war stories; they're case histories you can learn from — whether you're in a classroom or board room; corner office or cramped cubie; at a Fortune 500 company or a one-person business. We'll begin with four cases and conclude with additional practical stories in the March/April issue of Fraud Magazine.

Mortgage fraud: unrealistic incentives