The Certified Fraud Examiner certification has become the gold standard in fraud detection and prevention. CFEs are known the world over as fraud-fighting experts. The ACFE has built a respected organization that is at the forefront of fraud research and education. Robust fraud prevention programs must use CFEs as staff members or consultants. CFEs can also assist the audit committee, internal auditors, and independent auditors in their oversight capacities. CFEs in fraud prevention programs can be deterrents to potential fraud perpetrators.

What are the benefits of acquiring the assistance of a CFE?

In today's economic climate, who will help you protect your company and your clients from the devastating impact of fraud? Fraud can creep into your business in a number of ways. You may find that you need an objective expert to deter potential problems, investigate allegations or provide resolution. Certified Fraud Examiners possess specialized knowledge and experience and offer the anti-fraud skills that you need to:

• Investigate allegations against one of your employees
• Recommend strong anti-fraud internal controls
• Conduct interviews related to sensitive issues
• Provide assistance with financial dispute resolution
• Resolve irregularities discovered during your company's audit
• Provide expert testimony on financial and investigative matters

Fraud-specific investigations bear few similarities to traditional audits. In the simplest terms possible, it is fair to say that traditional auditing seeks to verify things that are known to be; fraud-specific investigations seek to determine the existence of things that are not known to be and may not be. Certified Fraud Examiners are specialists in the detection, deterrence and investigation of fraud and have a unique set of skills that are not found in any other discipline; they combine knowledge of complex financial transactions with an understanding of law, criminology, investigation and how to resolve allegations of fraud. Certified Fraud Examiners are knowledgeable in four areas critical to the fight against fraud:

• Fraudulent Financial Transactions
• Criminology and Ethics
• Legal Elements of Fraud
• Fraud Investigation

The standards for CFE certification are set by the ACFE's Board of Regents, who are elected by CFE members and drawn from the most experienced members of the profession. As leaders who inspire public confidence in the integrity and objectivity of the profession, Certified Fraud Examiners adhere to the CFE Code of Professional Ethics. The CFE Code of Professional Ethics includes:

• Commitment to professionalism
• Diligence in performance
• Avoidance of conflict of interest
• Testifying truthfully and without bias or prejudice
• Complete confidentiality
• Revelation of all material matters discovered during an examination
• Continued effort to increase the competence and effectiveness of professional services performed under his or her direction

The CFE credential is the globally preferred certification for anti-fraud professionals. Over 25,000 Certified Fraud Examiners are actively fighting fraud worldwide.