Fraud & Forensic Services
Demand for fraud examination services is at an all-time high.Fraud Investigations
The biggest problem is the client’s willingness to get the information. It may require a subponea. To be blunt this can be a problem with relatives. Using my knowledge of finance and accounting I can decipher the books, reconstruct the events, and follow the money right back to where it began and, most importantly, where it ended.
I know it is not enough to simply read the back of a check; I know how to analyze data and piece together information to reveal a picture that accurately supports a logical conclusion. Whether your needs call for the reconstruction of a situation that has already occurred, or one which you suspect is current and ongoing, I know how to get the answers.
- Reconstructing books and records from incomplete data
- Unraveling complex transactions and breaking them down into their component parts
- Re-creating transactions in brokerage and investment accounts
- Uncovering data that can be used as evidence in court
- Tracing funds and assets
- Identifying potential witnesses & suspects and interviewing them
- Gathering and documenting evidence & preparing an expert report
Forensic Accounting
Forensic accounting, forensic accountancy or financial forensics is the specialty practice area of accounting hat describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated disputes. “Forensic” means “suitable for use in a court of law”, and it is to that standard and potential outcome that forensic accountants generally have to work. Forensic accountants, also referred to as forensic auditors or investigative auditors, often have to give expert evidence at the eventual trial.
Services involve
- Insurance claims
- Personal Injury
- Construction audits
- Royalty audits
Business loss claims typically involve the use of forensic accountants by insurance companies.
I pride myself on my ability to arrive at objective and defensible conclusions based on the fundamentals of finance, accounting, and economics.
The first objection when I propose internal controls to a small business person is that I am old school.
Later, after a relative, disgruntled employee, vendor or other embezzler has absonded with funds the same small business person is astounded to find out how little it costs to deter fraud, theft and embezzlement.
I’m not a public relations firm, so let me tell you straight. Not creating proper internal controls has something to do with psychology, possibly cognitive dissonance than real world practicality. So maybe you should see a psychologist before giving me the excuses. Perhaps the business owner believes by setting up inexpensive procedures that they are showing their distrust?
Physical checks can be taken and used for nefarious purposes. Internal control procedures require checks to be locked in a safe. EFT, ACH, electronic payments are traceable, which deters theft.
Document management software can take care of all the transaction verifications.
In conclusion, as Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Or pay me now to do a little work, so that you don’t have pay me later to do investigative work.”
One technique that is overlooked is by simply reading their social media. For one, it could boast morale when the employee sees that you have an interest in them, but more importantly it can give clues to see if further investigation is required.
Background checks such as just calling the refernces can also be helpful.
Visiting Fort Lauderdale / South Florida? Stop by.
David Weinstein MBA CPA CFE
Contact Us
For inquiries or requests which require a more personal response, I will make every attempt to respond.