Fraud leaves clues: Here’s how we find them
Every fraud scheme, no matter how well-executed, leaves a trail. Sometimes it’s buried deep in financial records, hidden behind manipulated statements, or disguised as routine transactions. But the truth? Numbers never lie,only people do.
Forensic accounting is the financial world’s detective work; a meticulous process of uncovering fraud, errors, and hidden financial disputes. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about following the clues that others overlook.
A sudden spike in expenses with no explanation. Consistent, round-number transactions. Revenue that grows on paper but not in reality. These aren’t coincidences, they’re red flags. And forensic accountants know exactly where to look.
When a multinational corporation faced millions in missing funds, traditional audits couldn’t explain the discrepancy. But forensic investigators traced the issue back to a single department where a manager had been creating fake vendor accounts and siphoning money for years. A deeper dive revealed manipulated invoices, duplicate payments, and a fraudulent paper trail that had been overlooked; until forensic accounting stepped in.
This week, we’re breaking down the step-by-step forensic accounting process; how fraud is detected, how financial disputes are resolved, and how businesses can protect themselves before the damage is done.
Because in finance, what you don’t know can cost you everything.
Ever spotted a financial red flag that didn’t seem right? What gave it away?
