Free ACFE CFE-Fraud-Prevention-and-Deterrence Practice Exam with Questions & Answers

Routine activities theory holds that crime occurs when three elements converge: (1) a motivated offender, (2) a suitable target, and (3) the absence of a capable guardian. “The lack of societal ethics” is not part of this theoretical model.

 Key Elements of Routine Activities Theory:

This criminological theory asserts that crime is likely when three conditions converge:

Availability of suitable targets.

Absence of capable guardians (e.g., security or oversight).

Presence of motivated offenders.

 Why C is Correct:

Routine activities theory focuses on the environmental and situational factors that facilitate crime, making it distinct from other criminological theories.

 Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A (Rational choice theory):Focuses on individual decision-making.

B (Differential association theory):Emphasizes learning criminal behavior through interaction.

D (Social control theory):Focuses on societal bonds preventing crime​​.

Five Components of COSO’s Internal Control Framework:

A. Control activities:Policies and procedures to ensure objectives are met.

C. Risk assessment:Identifying and analyzing risks.

D. Monitoring:Ongoing evaluation of control effectiveness.

Control environment:Includes the tone at the top and organizational ethics.

Information and communication:Facilitates the flow of relevant information.

Explanation of Ethical Culture:

While ethical culture is critical to the control environment, it is not one of the five standalone components of the framework.

Conclusion:Ethical culture is not a separate component but a part of the control environment.

General Approaches to Control Corporate Crime:

Common approaches include government intervention, consumer action, and voluntary corporate changes.

Financial institution funding is not typically listed as a direct control mechanism for corporate crime.

Analysis of Options:

B. Government intervention:Effective through regulation and enforcement.

C. Consumer action:Encourages ethical practices through market pressures.

D. Voluntary corporate changes:Demonstrates internal commitment to compliance.

Conclusion:Withdrawal of financial institution funding is not one of the recognized general approaches.

 COSO Internal Control Framework Components:

The five components are:

Control Environment

Risk Assessment

Control Activities

Information and Communication

Monitoring Activities

 Why C is Correct:

Independent oversight, while important in governance, is not explicitly listed as one of the five COSO components. It may relate to broader governance structures but is not a core component of the internal control framework.

 References:

COSO Internal Control–Integrated Framework​​.

The ACFE has found that terminating the employee involved in fraud is the most common internal response to substantiated cases. While many fraud cases are handled internally without being referred to law enforcement, this is often due to concerns such as reputational damage or cost considerations rather than a lack of evidence.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

A key element of vendor due diligence is ensuring that third-party vendors have robust ethics and compliance programs. This helps align values, mitigate fraud risks, and establish clear expectations. While audits and questionnaires are good practices, they are not always mandatory or feasible before engagement. Moreover, transparency in seeking vendor information (unlike in A) is a norm in legitimate vetting practices.

International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) Requirements:

ISAs require auditors to communicate suspected or confirmed fraud to "those charged with governance" of the organization, as they have the responsibility for oversight.

ISA 240, “The Auditor's Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements,” mandates that findings be reported to appropriate governance bodies before considering further actions.

Confidentiality and Legal Obligations:

Auditors must maintain confidentiality unless legal or regulatory frameworks require disclosure to authorities. Immediate reporting to law enforcement (option B) may breach confidentiality without proper internal escalation.

Why Option D is Correct:

Reporting to governance ensures proper internal actions are taken and protects the integrity of the audit process. It allows the organization to address the issue before external involvement if required.