2020 ACFE Government Anti-Fraud Virtual Summit (On-Demand)

Shifting Focus From Data Analytics to Data Analysis

The term data analytics typically refers to the use of analytical techniques to identify trends, patterns, anomalies, outliers and exceptions in data. The purpose of analysis is to find meaning in data so that the derived knowledge can be used to make informed decisions. One way to look at the difference between data analytics and analysis is to compare a sports car mechanic and its driver. The mechanic uses their tools and knowledge to create a sports car with peak capabilities, and the driver uses their skills to maximize the abilities of the sports car’s performance. During this breakout session, you will learn how one government office distinguished the roles of data analytics and data analysis to maximize information outcomes and office-wide efficiency.

1.0

Intermediate

Experience using data analytics in fraud cases

Information Technology

* Determine the different roles of data analytics and data analysis
* Identify the value of a specific focus on data analysis
* Recognize how data is being utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery
* Manage, where appropriate, deconfliction among various oversight bodies

Follow the Money: FBI Forensic Accountant Case Studies in Emerging Trends

This session will introduce you to the role of forensic accountants at the FBI, and how their expertise is used to protect the American people by solving complex financial crimes. Real case studies will be presented with an emphasis on forensic accountant involvement in emerging trends including COVID-19-related frauds, Ponzi schemes and money laundering schemes.

1.0

Basic

None

Specialized Knowledge

* Recognize techniques the FBI forensic accountants use to follow the money
* Identify assets as part of a forensic accounting case
* Summarize financial data necessary for bringing charges to criminals

Integrating Investigative Approaches into Forensic Audits

This session will discuss tools and techniques employed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in forensic audits and investigations of government funded and/or regulated programs, facilities and systems from actual and potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement.

1.5

Intermediate

Experience conducting traditional financial, facilities, program, and system audits

Auditing

* Identify programs, facilities and systems suitable for forensic auditing approaches
* Categorize financial, facilities, program and system controls
* Develop forensic auditing objectives, scope and methodologies to identify system weaknesses and vulnerabilities (illustrative and generalizable examples)
* Execute developed methodologies and report evidence for findings and recommendations

Implementing a Fraud Hotline: You Can't Afford Not To

Operating a fraud hotline is an important element of fraud detection and prevention in both public and private organizations. The hotline provides an outlet for reporting fraud, ideally confidentially, to an agency or organization that can take immediate action. In a public agency, it provides a means for the general public as well as public employees to report suspected fraud and waste of resources and leads to greater accountability.

1.5

Overview

None

Specialized Knowledge

* Examine the importance of a hotline in proving an outlet to report fraud, waste and abuse
* Evaluate referrals and tips
* Determine ways to follow-up and communicate with callers to obtain more information and to ensure confidentiality
* Analyze data from the Massachusetts IG Fraud Hotline proving its effectiveness in generating investigations and eventually accountability

Data Analysis Theory Applied to Traditional Fraud Investigation Techniques

Fraud investigations are complex in nature and growing more complex each day. As fraud examiners, we need to think beyond computers and information technology, and develop a more holistic approach to investigations using data and data sets. We also need to adapt a 21st century mindset for all phases of the investigative process and consider all vectors of information through a data analysis lens. In this session, you will examine the major aspects of fraud investigations and discuss how the data we receive is incorporated into investigations. This is not a session on data analytics, but rather an examination of investigative theory. You will discuss how to leverage data analytics techniques and approaches to enhance traditional investigative practices and achieve better success.

1.5

Overview

None

Information Technology

* Apply data analysis theory to traditional investigative techniques
* Translate investigative findings into fraud prevention measures
* Examine evidence across virtual and physical datasets. from the Massachusetts IG Fraud Hotline proving its effectiveness in generating investigations and eventually accountability

Remote Interviewing: A Shifting Paradigm Within the Interviewing Arena

Remote interviewing, while not ideal, now has a much larger space at the interviewing table and will most likely continue to do so in the future. As is oftentimes the case, technology has managed to outrun the opportunity for mindful, methodical implementation. With a multitude of factors to consider – interpersonal communication, operations, policy, legalities and others – a bit of evaluation and planning may serve to enable us to proact rather than having to react.

1.5

Intermediate

Having completed a foundational interviewing class or have interviewing experience

Communications and Marketing

* Establish a remote interviewing protocol
* Incorporate the requisites of: accomodating increased interviewee anxiety; viability of evaluating non-verbal behavior; incorporating elicitation techniques into the conduct of the interview
* Identify legal issues of remote interviewing inter-state or country to country
* Discuss equipment considerations

The Intersection of Cryptocontracts, Fraud Fighters, and Fraudsters

Cryptocontract technology is rapidly moving from theory to implementation across industrial sectors. In recent years, cryptocontracts, also called smart contracts, have become a focus of consortia, corporate heavyweights and individual startups. This session will explore cryptocontracts as both a possible enabler of fraud and, conversely, as a tool to assess, prevent and detect fraud. Cryptocontracts hold promise to automate business relationships, reap savings in new efficiencies and enable trust between parties that do not necessarily have to trust each other. Implemented as computer code on a blockchain, cryptocontracts are promoted as autonomous without intervention by the parties involved, accurate and immutable against unilateral changes. Being a relatively new technology, however, cryptocontracts have already made previously unencountered fraud possible. With knowledge of cryptocontracts and their implications, you can contribute to the standards, design and implementation of what may prove to be a truly transformative technology.

1.0

Overview

None

Information Technology

* Define what cryptocontracts are and describe how they operate
* Identify how different types of cryptocontracts may work together to meet business needs in different settings
* Recognize the considerations and practices for implementing and running a cryptocontract
* Recognize external and internal fraud threat vectors that may come into play with a cryptocontract
* Determine how a cryptocontract may serve as a possible resource to the fraud fighter

Leading Investigation Teams: Best Practices from an Inspector General

In this session, you will learn how to manage diverse teams of professionals who conduct large government investigations. Beginning with how to gather a team at the start of a case, this session will walk you through how to choose team members, what issues to discuss during strategizing meetings and how to manage all the moving parts of a large investigation. You will also learn how to wrap up a case and report your findings to different audiences.

1.0

Basic

None

Specialized Knowledge

* Strategize with a team at the beginning of a case
* Identify investigation best practices
* Report findings based on the evidence gathered