Interviewing Suspevts And Signed Statements

Question 1

Hugo, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), has obtained an oral confession from Donna, a fraud suspect. Hugo reduced the confession into a short, concise written statement for Donna to sign. After Donna signed the statement, she remembered a significant detail that should have been included. How should Hugo handle this omitted information?

A. Destroy the old statement and prepare a new one
B. Omit the significant detail
C. Add an addendum to the existing statement
D. None of the above

Answer 1

C. Add an addendum to the existing statement

Question 2

Grigori, a fraud suspect, has admitted to Dmitri, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), that he has embezzled funds. Dmitri is unsure whether Grigori had an accomplice. Which of the following is the MOST APPROPRIATE question concerning accomplices?

A. “We have evidence someone else is involved. Who is it?”
B. “Was anyone else involved?”
C. “Did someone else know?”
D. “Who else knew about this besides you?”

Answer 2

D. “Who else knew about this besides you?”

Question 3

Pam, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Luca, a fraud suspect. Luca has decided to make an admission. How should Pam go about getting all the relevant information?

A. Obtain the details in reverse chronological order
B. Obtain the details in order of relevance
C. Get the general information and then move to the specifics
D. None of the above

Answer 3

C. Get the general information and then move to the specifics

Question 4

In admission-seeking interviews, an innocent person often reacts differently to the initial accusation than a culpable person. Which of the following reactions to the initial accusation is common to an innocent person?

A. Strong denials
B. Weak denials
C. Silence
D. Mumbled denials

Answer 4

A. Strong denials

Question 5

Georgia, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Simon, a warehouse employee. Simon is suspected of stealing inventory from the company’s warehouse to sell on internet marketplaces and covering up the theft by using the company’s computer system to create fraudulent purchase orders. Simon denies any wrongdoing, stating that it is impossible to create false purchase orders using the company’s computer system. Which of the following is the BEST piece of evidence for Georgia to show Simon in response to his denial?

A. A printout of Simon’s online marketplace account that shows sales of items that are stocked in the warehouse
B. Surveillance video showing Simon loading boxes into his vehicle behind the warehouse
C. A witness statement from a coworker who believes that Simon is living a lifestyle beyond his means
D. A false purchase order that was created using the company’s computer system

Answer 5

D. A false purchase order that was created using the company’s computer system

Question 6

When attempting to defuse a suspect’s alibi in a case where there is little physical evidence, a recommended technique is to discuss the accused’s prior deceptions.

A. True
B. False

Answer 6

True

Question 7

When confessing to fraud, suspects tend to provide accurate details on the amount of funds involved and number of instances of misconduct to relieve themselves of the guilt of their dishonest actions.

A. True
B. False

Answer 7

False

Question 8

In taking a verbal admission, which of the following items of information should an interviewer obtain?

A. Estimates of the number of instances, dates, and amounts involved
B. The accused’s motive for the offense
C. That the accused knew the conduct was wrong
D. All of the above

Answer 8

D. All of the above

Question 9

An admission-seeking interview is specifically designed to:

A. Gather background information about the subject
B. Determine whether the subject’s responses are credible
C. Obtain a legal admission of wrongdoing
D. All of the above

Answer 9

C. Obtain a legal admission of wrongdoing

Question 10

Although rules vary depending on the jurisdiction, the presence of a third party at an admission-seeking interview could have liability consequences.

A. True
B. False

Answer 10

True

Question 11

Tobias, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Frederik, a fraud suspect. After Tobias defuses Frederik’s alibis, Frederik becomes visibly emotional. At this point in the interview, Tobias should allow Frederik to show emotion while continuing to reference additional implicating evidence and telling him that it is in his best interest to admit to committing the fraud.

A. True
B. False

Answer 11

True

Question 12

When shifting from assessment questions to admission-seeking questions, the fraud examiner should provide a transitional theme that is designed to make the subject believe that they have been caught.

A. True
B. False
Submit

Answer 12

True

Question 13

If the accused becomes emotional after their alibis have been defused, then the interviewer’s best course of action is either to remain silent until the accused makes an admission or leave the room to allow the accused time to regain their composure.

A. True
B. False

Answer 13

False

Question 14

Baker, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), has obtained an oral confession from Gamma, a fraud suspect. Gamma confessed to committing fraud and admitted to smuggling drugs in an unrelated case. How should Baker handle these admissions in Gamma’s written confession?

A. Baker should include both crimes in the same statement
B. Baker should omit the information concerning the drug smuggling
C. Baker should take separate statements for each of the unrelated crimes
D. None of the above

Answer 14

C. Baker should take separate statements for each of the unrelated crimes

Question 15

Green, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Brown, a fraud suspect. Brown has confessed to having committed the fraud but is denying that anyone else was involved. However, Green knows this is untrue. What should Green do next?

A. Proceed directly to present evidence against Brown’s co-conspirators.
B. Mention the penalties involved in perjury.
C. Get Brown’s written admission before continuing the interview.
D. Proceed as if the falsehood has been accepted as truth and return to it later.

Answer 15

D. Proceed as if the falsehood has been accepted as truth and return to it later. CORRECT

Question 16

Generally, it is an indication of deception when an interview subject accused of fraud becomes angry while denying wrongdoing.

A. True
B. False

Answer 16

False

Question 17

For a signed, written confession to be admissible in court, the statement must be:

A. In the handwriting of the declarant
B. Notarized
C. Signed by at least two witnesses
D. None of the above

Answer 17

D. None of the above

Question 18

Asha, an employee at Gamma Corp., is suspected of embezzlement. During an admission-seeking interview with Asha, the investigator states, “You have been working at Gamma longer than most employees. If the company compensated you properly for your years of loyalty, you would not have had to do this. That is how you feel, isn’t it?” This technique is known as:

A. Altruism
B. Financial problems
C. Aberration of conduct
D. Unfair treatment

Answer 18

D. Unfair treatment

Question 19

Jayna, an employee at a retail store, is accused of skimming money from the register. During an admission-seeking interview with Jayna, the investigator states, “This is a huge corporation with more than a hundred stores, so it’s not like a few dollars here and there is going to affect anyone personally. Is that how you saw it?” This technique is known as:

A. Genuine need
B. Depersonalizing the victim
C. Unfair treatment
D. Extrinsic rewards

Answer 19

B. Depersonalizing the victim

Question 20

Jane is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) working on an investigation at Mill Corp. During an interview, Colin, an employee at Mill Corp., admits to Jane that he has been embezzling money from the company. Which of the following pieces of information does Jane NOT have to obtain from Colin?

A. A statement from Colin indicating that his conduct was an accident
B. An estimate of the amount of money that Colin embezzled
C. Information about the involvement of other Mill Corp. employees
D. The approximate date Colin started embezzling the money

Answer 20

A. A statement from Colin indicating that his conduct was an accident

Question 21

Simone, a manager at a major company, is suspected of financial statement fraud. During an admission-seeking interview with Simone, the investigator states, “A lot of employees count on the company doing well. I know you only did this to help the company succeed. Isn’t that right?” This technique is known as:

A. Altruism
B. Depersonalizing the victim
C. Extrinsic rewards
D. Genuine need

Answer 21

A. Altruism

Question 22

During an admission-seeking interview, Cynthia accuses a suspect of committing a crime. The suspect begins to deny the accusation. The best practice would be for Cynthia to interrupt the suspect’s denial at this point because allowing them to continue with the denial would make it more difficult for them to change their response and make an admission of guilt at a later time.

A. True
B. False

Answer 22

True

Question 23

In interview situations, admission-seeking questions should be phrased as “Did you do it?” rather than “Why did you do it?”

A. True
B. False

Answer 23

False

Question 24

Martin, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Doris, a fraud suspect. Although Martin has already interviewed several witnesses, he should NOT tell Doris under any circumstances that he has interviewed other individuals.

A. True
B. False

Answer 24

False

Question 25

Which of the following conditions indicates that it is the appropriate time to ask admission-seeking questions?

A. The interviewer believes there is a reasonable probability that the subject is responsible for the act in question
B. All reasonable investigative steps have been completed and as much information as possible has been developed from other sources
C. The interviewer can control the interview’s time, location or venue, and subject matter
D. All of the above

Answer 25

D. All of the above

Question 26

Which of the following is an appropriate moral excuse clause to include in a signed statement of admission?

A. “I didn’t do it on purpose.”
B. “I didn’t know it was illegal.”
C. “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”
D. “I didn’t mean to do it.”

Answer 26

C. “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

Question 27

Which of the following is an important consideration when preparing a room for an admission-seeking interview?

A. Whether the room provides sufficient privacy
B. Whether the door is locked
C. Whether there are any pictures or wall hangings
D. All of the above

Answer 27

D. All of the above

Question 28

Black, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Red, a fraud suspect. Black asks Red, “Did you do this because you were mad, or was there a reason you did this?” Red replies with “I had a reason.” Which of the following is the MOST APPROPRIATE response for Black to make?

A. “Everyone says that.”
B. “I’m glad you had a good reason to do this.”
C. “It couldn’t have been a very good reason.”
D. “I don’t believe you.”

Answer 28

B. “I’m glad you had a good reason to do this.”

Question 29

In admission-seeking interviews, the transition from the accusatory process to the verbal statement of admission should occur when the accused provides the first detailed information about the offense.

A. True
B. False

Answer 29

True

Question 30

Norah, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), has obtained a verbal statement of admission from Gabriel, a fraud suspect. Norah wants to probe Gabriel for additional details. Which of the following is the MOST APPROPRIATE question Norah should ask Gabriel to determine if there are any remaining proceeds that can be used to reduce losses?

A. “It’s all gone, isn’t it?”
B. “Did you spend everything?”
C. “Is there anything left?”
D. “What do you have left?”

Answer 30

D. “What do you have left?”

Question 31

Liliana, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is attempting to get a fraud suspect to admit guilt. Liliana should:

A. Directly accuse the suspect
B. Show the suspect incriminating evidence
C. Give the suspect an excuse for their behavior
D. All of the above

Answer 31

D. All of the above

Question 32

When making a direct accusation in an admission-seeking interview, it is usually BEST to use strong words such as steal, fraud, or crime to reinforce the seriousness of the crime to the suspect.

A. True
B. False

Answer 32

False

Question 33

Which of the following is an objective of an admission-seeking interview?

A. To obtain a signed written statement from the accused acknowledging the facts of the case
B. To obtain a valid admission of guilt
C. To distinguish innocent individuals from potentially guilty ones
D. All of the above

Answer 33

D. All of the above

Question 34

After an interviewer has successfully defused a suspect’s alibis, how should the interviewer present evidence to encourage the suspect to confess?

A. Display the most important piece of evidence first.
B. Display pieces of evidence at random.
C. Display all the relevant evidence at once to overwhelm the suspect.
D. Display the evidence one piece at a time, in reverse order of importance.

Answer 34

D. Display the evidence one piece at a time, in reverse order of importance.

Question 35

Smith, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Green, a fraud suspect. To encourage Green to make an admission, Smith should express disgust and moral condemnation for Green’s actions.

A. True
B. False

Answer 35

False

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT one of the three basic approaches for obtaining a verbal admission that an interviewer should consider using based on the circumstances of the case?

A. Chronologically
B. By transaction
C. In reverse chronology
D. By event

Answer 36

C. In reverse chronology

Question 37

If, during an admission-seeking interview, the interviewer wants to reduce the accused’s perception of the moral seriousness of the act in question, which of the following would be an appropriate statement for the interviewer to make?

A. “It’s really not a big problem, legally.”
B. “This doesn’t mean you’re Bernie Madoff.”
C. “It’s just a technical violation.”
D. None of the above

Answer 37

B. “This doesn’t mean you’re Bernie Madoff.”

Question 38

Which of the following is a recommended tactic for interrupting an accused’s denials during an admission-seeking interview?

A. Repeated interruptions
B. Reasoning
C. Delays
D. All of the above

Answer 38

D. All of the above

Question 39

Finn, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview of Valeria, a fraud suspect. Finn’s theme for establishing rationalization for Valeria’s fraud was that Valeria was treated unfairly at work. But Valeria does not seem to accept this theme. What should Finn do?

A. Terminate the interview
B. Select another theme
C. Continue to repeat the theme
D. None of the above

Answer 39

B. Select another theme

Question 40

When preparing a room for an admission-seeking interview, the suspect’s chair should be:

A. About two feet away from the interviewer’s chair
B. Behind a desk or table
C. As comfortable as possible
D. Within full view of the fraud examiner

Answer 40

D. Within full view of the fraud examiner

Question 41

Once a suspect has offered a verbal admission in an interview, it is important to get copies of as much physical evidence as possible. Bank records are of particular importance. Which of the following is the recommended method for obtaining bank records after a verbal admission?

A. Obtain an oral authorization for the release of the bank records.
B. Ask the subject to bring the records to the next interview session.
C. Obtain a separate written authorization for the release of the bank records.
D. Ask to meet the subject the next day at their bank.

Answer 41

C. Obtain a separate written authorization for the release of the bank records.

Question 42

James, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an admission-seeking interview. Which of the following strategies should James follow in his attempt to obtain an admission?

A. Minimize empathy and maximize the perception of wrongdoing.
B. Conduct the interview remotely so that the subject feels more comfortable.
C. Use a sharp tone of voice that suggests the subject is a bad person.
D. Offer a morally acceptable reason for the suspect’s behavior.

Answer 42

D. Offer a morally acceptable reason for the suspect’s behavior