Anatomy of a Fraud Investigation: From Detection to Prosecution

by Stephen Pedneault

A one-of-a-kind resource walking you through one complete fraud investigation, from the original tip to conviction in courtAnatomy of a Fraud Investigation is an engrossing read and a valuable resource for fraud investigators, auditors, or anyone who suspects fraud may be occuring in their organizations and is unsure as to how to act. It details all phases of a fraud investigation from the first suspicion of fraud to the final judgment in court, through the eyes of a forensic accountant.In each phase, the author provides insights based on his twenty-two years as a forensic accountant from where to sit at the table when you bring the suspected fraudster in for questioning, to how you protect the key sources of information that the suspect will try to destroy once he or she realizes they are under investigation.In-depth analysis of a fraud investigation Based on an actual investigation conducted by the author Each chapter contains valuable tips and key considerations, providing subtext for why decisions were made and bringing to light potential risks A fascinating, insider look at a fraud investigation, Anatomy of a Fraud Investigation helps you better understand fraud detection, investigation, and prevention-from the inside out.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, ebook

First published December 23, 2009

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is compelling enough, for an in-depth retelling of a forensic accounting case handled by the author. The main problem with the book, in my opinion, is the author's insistence on replaying events exactly as his notes indicated. Instead of taking a bit of artistic license and retelling dialogue in well, dialogue, the author repeats "I asked.. " "She said..." ad nauseum to relay the conversation. This is exactly how the beginning of page 82 plays out: "I asked her.... She said.... I asked her..., and she said.... I asked her... She said... She also said....I thanked her... and asked her.... She said.... She said.... I asked her...." Narrative style aside, Mr. Pedneault provides a thorough picture of the steps undertaken in his fraud investigation. He emphasizes the need to maintain chain of custody of evidence and outlines every step taken from the initial whistleblower coming forward to the final outcome of the legal cases brought against the fraudster. It's an interesting series of events and the author obviously has lots of knowledge to share. I just wish that the book was a little easier to read.

[ياسيمن العليو · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have interested in the fraud investigation Journey that simple but real. I recommend to read The anatomy of a fraud investigation from detecting to protection by Stephen pedeault, published in 2010.

The author shows us how the investigators got the balance between, the investigation’s case during the book and his family life. We can see through the book that many of investigation lessons attached with the author practiced, and has critical thinking process.

From my prospective I can say that it’s a great book to read. It a good supportive for graduated students who want to decide if fraud examiners is the career path want to take. As well as, it’s suitable for experiences to get out from very complex work-life to have a good time spending with the scheme case in the book, and refreshing the information of fraud investigation journey.

[Colby Kleinsasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was helpful for understanding an example of a fraud investigation from start to finish.

At the start of the book, the author describes one of the reasons he decided to write this is that newspaper articles often are lacking so much information about what actually happens. At the same time, I was working on an assignment to write about a fraud case. I found one in the local newspaper and experienced first hand, the lack of detailed information about what actually happened.

In light of that, I appreciated this book for sure.

[Dyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that takes your through each of the steps of a fraud investigation while creating an interesting narrative. The use of a narrative to describe how a financial fraud investigation works helped keep my attention while allowing me to learn the most pertinent information.

[V Narayanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book
Very Insightful
Superbly Written

[Deeya · Rating 2 out of 5]

read this for a class. the writing was poor and honestly took away from the story. 1.5/5

[Brian Besaw]

Anatomy is an engrossing journey and recommended book for the business and accounting professional. Pedneault's knowledge and experience provide insights that are valuable, not just in a fraud investigation, but as internal control best practices.

Stylistically Pedneault is a forensic accountant first and an author second. The writing is a little raw in spots but not so much that it takes away from the enjoyment of the book. Overall Anatomy is a relatively quick, smooth read.

[February Four · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the library at first. I was only partway through the book when I ordered it from Amazon to keep as permanent reference. This is THE textbook on the investigation of financial fraud, and short of attending a class or course on the subject, this will guide you on conducting an investigation.

[Brad Beebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

About as interesting as a narrative about accounting gets.

[Agrichu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, yet the author did a good job in listing the key steps in investigation, which truthfully substantiate what a good practice should be.

[Christian Kleineidam · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the topic sounds interesting, the writing is unfortunately pretty dull.