Fraud Talk

Under Pressure: Why Younger Generations Are Falling for and Committing Fraud - Crystal Zuzek - Fraud Talk - Episode 157

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins interviews Fraud Magazine Assistant Editor Crystal Zuzek, co-author of "Under Pressure". They explore the rising fraud risks facing Gen Z and millennials, both as victims and as perpetrators. From emotionally manipulative scams like sextortion to friendly fraud and the glamorization of con artists, Zuzek shares insight and real stories that reveal how digital lifestyles and economic pressures are shaping the next generation.

The Hidden Costs of Speaking Up: What Fraud Examiners Need to Know About Whistleblowers - Jacqueline Garrick - Fraud Talk - Episode 156

Whistleblowers are often key to uncovering fraud—but what happens after they report? In this episode of Fraud Talk, Jacqueline Garrick, founder of Whistleblowers of America and the Workplace Promise Institute, shares her journey from whistleblower to advocate. From moral injury to PTSD, Garrick shares how peer support and trauma-informed workplaces can protect whistleblowers and strengthen fraud prevention efforts.

Fraud Prevention in Action: How Students Are Gaining Real-World Experience - Victor Cardona - Fraud Talk - Episode 155

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins speaks with Victor Cardona, adjunct professor of forensic accounting at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to discuss their “Day in the Life of an IRS Agent” program. The initiative immerses students in real-world forensic accounting and criminal investigation scenarios, offering a hands-on look at careers in fraud prevention and compliance. Cardona shares how interactive education, mentorship and networking are key to inspiring the next generation of anti-fraud professionals—and why promoting ethical standards early on is essential in shaping the future workforce.

Inside the In-House Fraud Investigation Teams Benchmarking Report - Mason Wilder - Fraud Talk - Episode 154

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Communications Director John Duffley sits down with Mason Wilder, CFE, ACFE Research Director, to break down the newly released In-House Fraud Investigation Teams: 2025 Benchmarking Report. Dive into a detailed discussion on how organizations are structuring their fraud teams—from the increasing number of investigators to the unique challenges they face across different company sizes. Learn about the role of in-house teams versus outsourced investigations, the evolving skill sets required in today’s complex fraud landscape and the critical balance between case volume and team efficiency.

AI’s Double-Edged Sword in Banking: Fighting Fraud While Avoiding Collateral Damage - Kennedy Meda - Fraud Talk - Episode 153

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing fraud prevention in the banking industry, enhancing detection and risk management. But with these advancements come new challenges—fraudsters using AI to exploit vulnerabilities, biases in algorithms and the need for regulatory adaptation. In this episode, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins speaks with fraud expert Kennedy Meda about the impact of AI on banking fraud, the balance between automation and human oversight and how financial institutions can stay ahead of emerging threats.

The Top 5 Most Scandalous Frauds of 2024 - John Warren - Fraud Talk - Episode 152

In this episode of Fraud Talk, John Warren, CEO of the ACFE, and Jennifer Liebman, Editor-in-Chief of Fraud Magazine, delve into some of 2024's most scandalous fraud cases. From Boeing's guilty plea tied to deadly aviation crashes to Vietnam's sentencing of a real estate tycoon to death for embezzlement, they explore the global implications of these high-profile frauds. Tune in to understand the evolving nature of fraud, including the role of AI and platforms like TikTok in modern schemes, and uncover critical lessons for prevention and compliance.

Whistleblowers Wanted: Inside the DOJ’s Corporate Crime Crackdown - Patrick Gushue - Fraud Talk - Episode 151

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Research Specialist Sam May interviews Patrick Gushue, Acting Director of the Department of Justice's Corporate Whistleblower Awards pilot program. Together, they delve into the program's mission to uncover corporate crime by empowering whistleblowers and fostering a culture of accountability. Patrick provides an in-depth look at the program's focus on internal reporting, compliance frameworks and innovative incentives designed to encourage reporting of misconduct.

How Fraud Week Transformed Community Engagement for the Washington State Auditor’s Office - Brandi Pritchard - Fraud Talk - Episode 150

Join ACFE Public Relations Specialist Stefanie Hallgren in this episode of Fraud Talk, as she dives in with Brandi Pritchard, Assistant Director of Special Investigations at the Washington State Auditor's Office. With International Fraud Awareness Week on the horizon, Pritchard shares the story behind the Auditor’s Office’s dedication to fraud prevention and the unique challenges they face, especially within smaller government entities. From engaging tactics that bring fraud awareness to the community to the “trust but verify” approach that underscores their work, Pritchard reveals how Fraud Week creates a ripple effect inspiring both vigilance and accountability.

Adapting Fraud Detection for Latin America - Marta Cadavid - Fraud Talk - Episode 149

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Mason Wilder sits down with Marta Cadavid, founder of NoFraud Latam, to explore the unique challenges of detecting and preventing fraud in Latin America. Cadavid shares her journey, including the creation of a Latin American-specific fraud tree, and how cultural nuances shape the approach to fraud communication. They discuss the vital role of artificial intelligence in analyzing human behavior and predicting fraudulent actions.

The Future of Identity Fraud Prevention - Mary Ann Miller - Fraud Talk - Episode 148

Mary Ann Miller, a seasoned cybersecurity and fraud expert, joins Rihonna Scoggins, ACFE Content Manager, on Fraud Talk to dissect the evolving threat landscape of identity fraud and the cutting-edge strategies organizations can deploy to combat it. Miller emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional identity validation methods, focusing instead on diverse attributes and signals to confirm authenticity. They explore the future of passwordless security, highlighting its potential to enhance both security and user experience.