Certified Fraud Investigator
Certification Toolkit
499 USD
- Comprehensive Study Material (Softcopy)
- Access to over 500 true/false questions to solidify your understanding of key concepts.
- Practice with more than 1500 MCQs to enhance your confidence and fine-tune your exam readiness.
- Certification Exam Voucher (90 Days Validity)
- Valuable study tips and exam techniques
- Schedule and take your exam anywhere and anytime
- Proctored Online Certification Exam
- Immediate Exam Results and Performance Feedback
- Premium digital badge and certificate issued upon successful completion
- Access to a unique link for online verification of the certificate authenticity
- Enjoy Up to 3 years certification validity renewable without limit.
Join the Front Line Against Fraud with the CFI Certification!
Why Choose CFI?
- Comprehensive Training
- Cutting-Edge Techniques:
- Professional Recognition
- Career Advancement
- Practical Skills
- Community Support
Elevate Your Career with CFI
Exam Syllabus for CFI Certification
- Understanding fraud and fraudsters
- Why do people commit fraud?
- Fraud triangle
- Audit or Investigation: Key differences
- Understanding investigation models for fraud investigations
- Understanding the decision-making process
- Understanding fraud victim support
- Understanding the principles of proof
- Understanding material management during a survey
- Understand the differences in approach to civil, criminal and regulatory investigations
- Understanding the management of parallel investigations
- Understanding record-keeping during a survey
- Fraud prevention techniques
- Implement a formal fraud risk management program
- Carry out a fraud risk assessment
- Develop clear policies and procedures
- Fraud awareness programs
- Fraud prevention through internal controls
- Fraud prevention: A four-step approach
- Fraud detection techniques
- Set up a comprehensive whistle-blowing system (including a hotline, green e-mail, suggestion and whistle-blowing boxes).
- Using Bendford's Law
- Using CAATTs to detect fraud
- Proactive fraud auditing
- Understanding the warning signs of fraud
Payment systems
Disbursement mechanisms
Non-cash plans
Inventory and all other assets
Cash theft systems
Record disbursements
Expense reimbursement plans
Billing schemes
Payroll plans
Cheque forgery
Financial statement fraud investigation
Overstated revenues
Channel filling
Triumph in the round
Overvaluation of assets
Underestimation of liabilities and expenses
Handling reserves
Misrepresentation and omission of information
Incorrect registration of mergers and acquisitions
Off-balance sheet items
Accounting involves making judgments and estimates
Earnings management
Calendar differences
Fictitious income
Hidden liabilities and expenses
Incorrect valuation of assets
Inappropriate disclosures
Investigating corruption systems
Bribes
The myth of culture
Bribes
Illegal bonuses
Extortion and conflict of interest
Transactions with related parties
Money laundering
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Prevention and detection
Economic extortion
External fraud investigation
Corporate espionage
Investment plans
Pyramid and Ponzi schemes
Securities fraud
Hidden income or assets
Insurance fraud
Bankruptcy fraud
- Assessing the situation
- Selecting the interviewer
- Interviewing the journalist
- Taking interim measures
- Review the protocol
Define your strategy
Draw up an interview list
Create a calendar
Commitment assessment
Making recommendations
Budgeting and cost control
Fees and billing practices
Mission letters
File management
Building the team: Where to start?
Building the team: Company insiders
Team building: Key participants
Team composition: External consultants
Importance of references
Personnel management and supervision
Work schedules and checklists
Document management
Preservation of evidence
File maintenance
Investigation software
Professional standards
When to stop the survey?
Preparing for the Field Phase
Survey plan review: Ensure all aspects of planning are in place and resources are ready for execution.
Team briefing: Training and preparation of the survey team on specific objectives, roles and responsibilities.
Information sources
Internal sources: Details on how to access financial data, e-mails, internal documents and other corporate communications.
External sources: Use of public databases, trade registers, social media and other external resources.
Evidence gathering techniques
Interviews and interrogations:
o Interview preparation: Developing relevant questions and selecting interviewees.
o Conducting interviews: Techniques for obtaining accurate, relevant information while maintaining a climate of trust.
Direct observation:
o Physical surveillance: Monitoring techniques to observe suspicious behavior and activities.
o Covert observation: Use of technologies for discreet surveillance, such as hidden cameras.
Literature review:
o Document review: Detailed analysis of documents for inconsistencies or irregularities.
o Cross-checking: Comparison of different documents to identify discrepancies.
Data Analysis Techniques
Analysis of financial data:
o Cash flow analysis: Track cash movements to identify suspicious transactions.
o Transaction reconstruction: Reconstruct financial transactions to verify their legitimacy.
Data mining techniques :
o Fraud detection algorithms: Use of specialized software to analyze large quantities of data and identify patterns of fraud.
o Trend and anomaly analysis: Detection of atypical behavior or abnormal trends in data.
Tests and Investigation Procedures
Compliance testing:
o Audit of internal policies: Control of the application of internal policies and procedures.
o Internal control tests: Assessment of the effectiveness of existing internal controls.
Substance testing:
o Transaction review: Detailed examination of transactions to verify their legitimacy.
o External confirmation: Validation of information obtained from external sources.
Analysis tests:
o Comparative analysis: comparing data with benchmarks or industry standards.
o Analysis of variance: Identification of significant deviations and exploration of their causes.
Documentation and preservation of evidence
Preservation of evidence:
o Evidence gathering: Methods for securing, cataloguing and preserving evidence in a format admissible in court.
o Chain of custody: Rigorous documentation of the chain of custody of evidence to guarantee its integrity.
o Secure storage: Use of secure storage methods for physical and digital evidence.
Progress reports:
o Interim reports: Provision of regular updates to stakeholders on the progress of the survey.
o Synthesis of findings: Summary of evidence collected and preliminary findings.
Solving challenges in the field
Obstacle management: Strategies for overcoming legal, technical and operational challenges that may arise during the field phase.
Negotiation and conflict management: Techniques for managing difficult interactions with parties involved in the survey.
Preliminary research: Collect and review relevant documents and information prior to the interview.
Participant selection: Identify relevant witnesses, victims and suspects.
Logistical planning: Choose a suitable venue and plan the timing of interviews.
Start with an Explanation
Objectives of the initial explanation: To put the interviewee at ease, establish expectations and ensure confidentiality.
Explanation content: Details of the interview process, importance of cooperation, protection against reprisals.
Using an Interview Plan
Developing an outline: Create a flexible guide to structure the interview without rigidity.
Importance of adaptability: Allow the interview to unfold naturally according to the interviewee's responses.
Create a rapport
Techniques for establishing rapport: Be friendly, show empathy, thank the person at the beginning and end.
Importance of a positive attitude: Encourage the person to open up and share important information.
Formulate questions carefully
Opening questions: Ask simple questions to establish a baseline.
Open-ended questions: Use open-ended questions to avoid directing answers.
Clarity and simplicity: Use clear, simple language to avoid confusion.
Taking notes, the right way
Role of the second interviewer or assistant: Take detailed notes to enable the interviewer to concentrate on the conversation.
Note-taking methods: Use effective techniques to capture key information without interrupting the flow of the interview.
Record the Interview (if appropriate)
Benefits of recording: Obtain an accurate transcription of responses.
Nervousness considerations: Manage the interviewee's potential nervousness due to the recording.
Write the Interview Report
Report structure: Introduction, summary of questions and answers, preliminary conclusions.
Importance of accuracy: Ensure that all information is correctly captured and interpreted.
Analysis and verification of information
Information validation: Check answers obtained with other sources to ensure their reliability.
Evaluation of evidence: Analyze the information gathered to determine its relevance and impact on the investigation.
Model description
o Origins and development of the model
o Key principles and recommended techniques
Advantages of the Baldwin model
Model limitations
Examples of practical cases where this model has been used effectively
The PEACE Model of Investigative Interviewing
Model description
o PEACE model structure (Preparation and Planning, Engaging and Explaining, Reporting, Clarifying and Challenging, Evaluation)
o Specific techniques recommended in this model
Advantages of the PEACE model
Model limitations
Comparison with the Baldwin model
The REID Model
Model description
o Origin and basic principle of the REID model
o Steps in the REID interrogation process
Advantages of the REID model
Model limitations
Discussion of the ethical criticisms often associated with this model
Walkey's Approach to Interviewing Suspects
Description of the approach
o Key principles and tactics used in Walkey's approach
o Distinction between Walkey's approach and traditional methods
Advantages of Walkey's approach
Limitations of this approach
Practical use of this method in specific contexts
Comparative analysis
Table or chart comparing the four models
o Comparison based on criteria such as efficiency, ethics, ease of use, etc.
Discussion on the choice of the appropriate model for different types of fraud cases
Responsibility: The report must reflect an accurate and honest picture of the investigation to maintain the organization's credibility.
Complete documentation: Guarantee that all aspects of the survey are covered.
Communication of results: Ensure that results are clear and understandable to all stakeholders.
Support for future actions: Used in litigation, for internal reviews, or as a training tool to prevent future incidents.
Qualities of a good report
Clarity and simplicity: Use clear, accessible language, avoiding technical jargon except where absolutely necessary to make the report accessible to a wide audience.
Objectivity: Stick strictly to verifiable facts, avoid personal opinions or speculation.
Accuracy: Refer to documents and use direct quotations to support assertions.
Neutrality: Avoid inflammatory language that could be perceived as biased or provocative.
Avoid inflammatory language: Use factual, neutral language.
Use direct quotes: Include quotes to give weight to testimonials.
Refer to documents: Support statements with documents.
Report structure
Introduction
o Survey background
o Survey objectives
o Methodology used
General information
o Survey date.
o Names of investigators.
o Description of the incident.
o Background to suspected fraud
o Stakeholders involved
Inquiry procedures
o Survey stages
o Investigation techniques used
o Chronology of events
Survey results
o Presentation of the facts
o Testimonies and evidence collected
o Information analysis
Opinions and conclusions
o Interpretation of results
o Survey findings
Recommendations
o Corrective actions to be taken
o Suggestions for preventing future fraud
Attachments
o Relevant documents
o Interview transcripts
o Elements of proof
Report writing and presentation
Stick to the facts: Avoid unfounded assumptions.
Keep it simple: Use clear, direct language.
Draft reports: Submit drafts for review before final version.
Negative feedback: Handle negative feedback with professionalism.
Report follow-up and use
Follow-up on the fraud investigator's work: Ensure implementation of recommendations.
Preparing testimony: Preparing the report for legal proceedings.
Deposition testimony: Use the report as a basis for depositions.
Trial testimony: Present conclusions clearly and concisely.
Learning lessons to prevent future frauds
Moving forward as a company after a major fraud: rehabilitating the company's image and restoring trust.
Understanding vulnerabilities and threats: Identifying weaknesses exploited by fraudsters.
Understanding fraud scenarios: Analyze the methods used to better prepare for the future.
Reinforce internal controls: Implement measures to prevent repeat offenses.
Marketing a fraud investigation service: Promoting the effectiveness of internal investigations to deter fraudsters.
How to reduce fraud through investigation: Use investigations to improve processes and raise employee awareness.
What They Say About CFI
Register
Learn & Prep
Schedule
Certify
How are we different?
Unlike competing programs, GECB combines the ingenuity of artificial intelligence with the acumen of world-class experts to craft certification programs that are not just educational credentials but a gateway to enhanced professional stature and global competitiveness. This is where AI meets expertise to forge your future.

CFI Exam Details
- Exam Questions: 50
- Exam Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Duration: 60 min
- Open Book: No
- Certification Validity: 3 Years
- Complimentary Retake: Conditional
- Language: English, French, Spanish (Portuguese Coming soon)
Sample Certification
Our program covers key topics such as fraud detection, investigation planning, evidence collection, interviewing, and reporting. Participants will learn how to identify red flags and warning signs, gather evidence, and build a strong case against perpetrators. The program has been developed by expert instructors with years of real-world experience in fraud investigation, and will provide hands-on training and support to help candidates develop their skills.

Join the Ranks of Distinguished Professionals
Experience the quality and excellence that set GECB apart in professional certification. Get certified, enhance your career, and be exceptional.
100% No-Risk Money Back Guarantee
At GECB, quality is our top priority. Our certification programs are designed to foster professional growth and ensure learning satisfaction. To give you peace of mind, we offer a 48-hour money-back guarantee.
Here's how it works:
When you register for our certification program, you will receive your login details (username and password) within 24 hours to access your Certification Toolkit. If you do not receive this service within the specified period, simply let us know, and we will issue a full refund—no questions asked. Please ensure that the email address you provide during registration is correct.
Furthermore, we are confident in the effectiveness of our preparation materials. All the exam questions are comprehensively covered in our manual. If you study the manual thoroughly and still do not pass the certification exam, we will consider offering a second exam attempt free of charge if your results indicate that you were very close to passing.
Your success is our commitment.
Founder,CEO
