Frequently Asked Questions
Fraud Investigation & Certified Fraud Examination
What does a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) do for businesses?
A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) protects businesses by detecting, investigating, and preventing financial misconduct, such as embezzlement, bribery, and financial statement fraud. They analyze financial records, interview suspects, strengthen internal controls to reduce risk, and provide expert testimony, often uncovering fraud sooner and reducing losses.
When should a business hire a financial fraud investigator?
If you suspect a manager or managers are embezzling from your company, hiring a fraud investigator should be your first step in uncovering any wrongdoing and building a case that will protect your from blowback.
How is external fraud against a business investigated?
External fraud investigations against businesses involve a structured process of identifying, documenting, and analyzing breaches caused by outsiders (vendors, customers, hackers). Key steps include defining the scope, analyzing financial records for irregularities, conducting interviews, and collaborating with legal or law enforcement experts.
Identity Theft & Remediation
What should I do if my identity is stolen?
If your identity is stolen, act immediately: file a report at IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan, freeze your credit with the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), and contact your banks to secure accounts. Document every step and notify local law enforcement
How does professional identity theft remediation work?
Professional identity theft remediation is a comprehensive, expert-led process that restores a victim's identity and financial standing after fraud. It involves immediate account freezing, expert-driven dispute resolution, filing police reports, and restoring credit reports. Dedicated specialists often handle the legwork, providing insurance for lost funds and covering legal/notary fees.
Can a fraud investigator help restore my credit after identity theft?
Yes, a fraud investigator can help restore your credit after identity theft by verifying fraudulent activity and initiating the removal of unauthorized accounts, known as "blocking". They work with you to secure accounts, place fraud alerts, and remove inaccurate, fraudulent data from your credit reports.
Business Owners & External Fraud
What are the warning signs of external fraud impacting a business?
External fraud impacting a business often manifests through unusual financial, operational, and digital anomalies that deviate from established norms. Key warning signs include unexplained, high-volume transactions to new vendors, sudden, urgent requests for changes to banking information, and discrepancies between physical inventory and records.
How does external fraud differ from internal employee fraud?
External fraud is committed by outsiders (hackers, customers, vendors) using deception like phishing or fake invoices to steal. Internal fraud is committed by employees or managers abusing their legitimate access for embezzlement or theft. Internal fraud is often harder to detect, while external fraud relies on breaking through security perimeters
What industries are most vulnerable to business fraud in Texas?
In Texas, industries most vulnerable to business fraud include banking/financial services, construction, oil and gas (extractive industries), and retail, largely due to high cash volumes, complex transactions, and disaster-related, vulnerabilities. Key threats include invoice/billing schemes, occupational fraud, money laundering, and insurance fraud.
Certified Defense Specialist (CDS) / Criminal Defense Investigation
What is a Certified Defense Specialist (CDS) through CDITC?
A Certified Defense Specialist (CDS) through the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC) is a professional trained in the Component Method of Criminal Defense Investigation, focusing on evidentiary analysis, case management, and legal defense theories. It signifies expertise in specialized, non-law-enforcement-based criminal defense investigation, often acting as a precursor to the Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI) designation.
When should an attorney work with a CDS investigator?
Attorneys should work with a Criminal Defense Services (CDS) investigator immediately when a case involves complex factual disputes, major felony charges, or the need to interview witnesses to prevent them from changing their stories later. Investigators are crucial for protecting constitutional rights, gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and analyzing forensic data.
What types of cases require a criminal defense investigator?
Criminal defense investigators are essential for complex, high-stakes, or evidence-heavy cases where they independently verify facts, interview witnesses, and examine forensic evidence. They are critical for cases involving self-defense, witness credibility issues, or when police investigations are insufficient.