ACFE CFE - Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes (Certified Fraud Examiner - Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes) Practice Test 19

Question 180

The case file describes the following: A platform promises fixed extreme crypto returns while concealing that customer assets are controlled by insiders. Which classification best explains the events?

  1. Online romance investment grooming
  2. Guaranteed crypto yield scam
  3. Pig-butchering investment scam
  4. Elder caregiver financial exploitation

Explanation

Correct Answer

B:

Guaranteed crypto yield scam fits the facts because unsubstantiated investment guarantees can camouflage misappropriation rather than legitimate market profits; the distinguishing observation is that claimed yields lack verifiable trading activity and withdrawals stop during a surge in new deposits. To test this interpretation, a reviewer should verify asset custody, independent reserves and the reality of return generation.

Incorrect Answers

A:

Online romance investment grooming would involve a different sequence from Guaranteed crypto yield scam: the fraud uses emotional trust to induce transfers, often without the promised investment existing. Unlike the rejected Online romance investment grooming label, the evidence concerns Guaranteed crypto yield scam, since claimed yields lack verifiable trading activity and withdrawals stop during a surge in new deposits; reviewers should verify asset custody, independent reserves and the reality of return generation.

C:

Pig-butchering investment scam would involve a different sequence from Guaranteed crypto yield scam: long-form social engineering combines relationship grooming with fabricated investment performance. Unlike the rejected Pig-butchering investment scam label, the evidence concerns Guaranteed crypto yield scam, since claimed yields lack verifiable trading activity and withdrawals stop during a surge in new deposits; reviewers should verify asset custody, independent reserves and the reality of return generation.

D:

Elder caregiver financial exploitation would involve a different sequence from Guaranteed crypto yield scam: abuse of trust or access can divert assets from a vulnerable person without a public investment pitch. Unlike the rejected Elder caregiver financial exploitation label, the evidence concerns Guaranteed crypto yield scam, since claimed yields lack verifiable trading activity and withdrawals stop during a surge in new deposits; reviewers should verify asset custody, independent reserves and the reality of return generation.

Question 181

A process owner is assessing safeguards for altered check payee. The mechanism is: An otherwise authorized check is redirected by changing who can receive the proceeds. Which control addresses it most directly?

  1. Require second-party approval for payments benefiting an authorized signer.
  2. Have a reviewer independent of disbursements compare payees and vouchers.
  3. Use secure positive pay with payee validation where supported.
  4. Secure outgoing checks and independently resolve vendor nonreceipt.
  5. Secure blank check stock and segregate check preparation from signing.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C:

The control directly addresses the failure point in Altered check payee, since an otherwise authorized check is redirected by changing who can receive the proceeds. A subsequent independent review could compare approved payee records with front and back images of paid checks to identify exceptions that bypassed the safeguard.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This safeguard is directed primarily at Authorized-maker self-payment rather than Altered check payee, because authority to sign does not confer permission to take company funds for personal use. Unlike the control for Authorized-maker self-payment, the more direct design for Altered check payee is to use secure positive pay with payee validation where supported; a different safeguard cannot substitute for it.

B:

This safeguard is directed primarily at Concealed check diversion rather than Altered check payee, because the cash leaves via an unauthorized payment camouflaged by accounting classification. Unlike the control for Concealed check diversion, the more direct design for Altered check payee is to use secure positive pay with payee validation where supported; a different safeguard cannot substitute for it.

D:

This safeguard is directed primarily at Forged check endorsement rather than Altered check payee, because the authorized check is diverted at the endorsement stage, not created by a false invoice. Unlike the control for Forged check endorsement, the more direct design for Altered check payee is to use secure positive pay with payee validation where supported; a different safeguard cannot substitute for it.

E:

This safeguard is directed primarily at Forged check-maker signature rather than Altered check payee, because the perpetrator creates a payment instrument without the genuine drawer authorization. Unlike the control for Forged check-maker signature, the more direct design for Altered check payee is to use secure positive pay with payee validation where supported; a different safeguard cannot substitute for it.

Question 182

For a review of charity donation skimming, which evidence-based warning sign is the most specific?

  1. Deposit documentation and bank-confirmed credits disagree despite correct till totals.
  2. Surprise cash counts fall below the petty-cash ledger balance.
  3. Customer receipts or posted menu prices exceed amounts entered for the same items.
  4. Donor acknowledgment totals exceed the logged and deposited contributions.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

This observation is a pertinent indicator of Charity donation skimming because a donation stolen before entry may leave no accounting shortage unless outside records are used. The practical corroborating procedure is to match donor confirmations and sealed-envelope counts against bank deposits; the indicator by itself does not establish intent or error.

Incorrect Answers

A:

The proposed observation fits Deposit-bag substitution, where the removal occurs after recording and before funds reach the bank, rather than the particular mechanism in Charity donation skimming. Unlike the clue for Deposit-bag substitution, the more directly related indicator for Charity donation skimming is this: Donor acknowledgment totals exceed the logged and deposited contributions.

B:

The proposed observation fits Cash-safe theft, where theft of cash on hand depletes a recorded fund without necessarily involving a sales transaction, rather than the particular mechanism in Charity donation skimming. Unlike the clue for Cash-safe theft, the more directly related indicator for Charity donation skimming is this: Donor acknowledgment totals exceed the logged and deposited contributions.

C:

The proposed observation fits Cash-sale understatement, where the portion never entered in the till is skimmed even though a partial sale appears in the books, rather than the particular mechanism in Charity donation skimming. Unlike the clue for Cash-sale understatement, the more directly related indicator for Charity donation skimming is this: Donor acknowledgment totals exceed the logged and deposited contributions.

Question 183

An examination of unapproved facilitation payment begins with this observation: The purported charge lacks an official government receipt or published tariff basis. Which follow-up procedure gives the most direct evidence?

  1. Compare payments and customs records with government fee schedules.
  2. Compare access history to restricted procurement files with bidder drafts and benefits.
  3. Analyze repeated bid participants, price spreads and shared document metadata.
  4. Trace third-party payment flows and ownership while comparing award rationale.

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

For the Unapproved facilitation payment concern, the procedure tests source evidence behind this observation: The purported charge lacks an official government receipt or published tariff basis. This matters because a privately directed payment to influence routine official action can be corrupt despite its small amount; independent corroboration is necessary before accepting any conclusion.

Incorrect Answers

B:

This comparison primarily addresses Conflict through confidential specifications, in which disclosure of privileged tender information trades an entrusted advantage for private benefit; because the present question instead concerns Unapproved facilitation payment, reviewers should compare payments and customs records with government fee schedules rather than apply a check designed for Conflict through confidential specifications.

C:

This comparison primarily addresses Bid-sharing cartel, in which bid rotation is collusion among bidders that undermines competitive award outcomes; because the present question instead concerns Unapproved facilitation payment, reviewers should compare payments and customs records with government fee schedules rather than apply a check designed for Bid-sharing cartel.

D:

This comparison primarily addresses Vendor-funded political favor, in which indirect benefits can constitute corruption when used to induce improper contract decisions; because the present question instead concerns Unapproved facilitation payment, reviewers should compare payments and customs records with government fee schedules rather than apply a check designed for Vendor-funded political favor.

Question 184

The case file describes the following: A clerk records a fictitious cash refund against a prior real sale and removes the corresponding banknotes. Which classification best explains the events?

  1. Concealment through false refunds
  2. Unrecorded admission-fee skimming
  3. Cash-sale understatement
  4. Off-register retail skimming

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

Concealment through false refunds fits the facts because a false refund creates an apparently authorized cash outflow, unlike an off-record cash receipt theft; the distinguishing observation is that refund rates jump without matching returned merchandise or customer evidence. To test this interpretation, a reviewer should match refund authorizations to returned-stock records and original receipt identifiers.

Incorrect Answers

B:

Unrecorded admission-fee skimming would involve a different sequence from Concealment through false refunds: off-book ticket proceeds can disappear without creating a deposit shortage in the books. Unlike the rejected Unrecorded admission-fee skimming label, the evidence concerns Concealment through false refunds, since refund rates jump without matching returned merchandise or customer evidence; reviewers should match refund authorizations to returned-stock records and original receipt identifiers.

C:

Cash-sale understatement would involve a different sequence from Concealment through false refunds: the portion never entered in the till is skimmed even though a partial sale appears in the books. Unlike the rejected Cash-sale understatement label, the evidence concerns Concealment through false refunds, since refund rates jump without matching returned merchandise or customer evidence; reviewers should match refund authorizations to returned-stock records and original receipt identifiers.

D:

Off-register retail skimming would involve a different sequence from Concealment through false refunds: skimming removes receipts before they enter the organization's accounting records. Unlike the rejected Off-register retail skimming label, the evidence concerns Concealment through false refunds, since refund rates jump without matching returned merchandise or customer evidence; reviewers should match refund authorizations to returned-stock records and original receipt identifiers.

Question 185

An examination of unregistered brokerage solicitation begins with this observation: Commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence. Which follow-up procedure gives the most direct evidence?

  1. Trace public environmental claims to primary data, methodology and validation evidence.
  2. Join employee transaction records with confidential order timestamps and market prices.
  3. Compare trading timestamps, information access and public-disclosure chronology.
  4. Compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

For the Unregistered brokerage solicitation concern, the procedure tests source evidence behind this observation: Commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence. This matters because securities-related compensation and solicitation can trigger registration obligations under relevant laws; independent corroboration is necessary before accepting any conclusion.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This comparison primarily addresses False sustainability disclosures, in which nonfinancial representations can deceive securities investors when inaccurate or unsupported; because the present question instead concerns Unregistered brokerage solicitation, reviewers should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations rather than apply a check designed for False sustainability disclosures.

B:

This comparison primarily addresses Broker front-running client order, in which misusing confidential customer-order knowledge for personal gain creates market-abuse and conflict risks; because the present question instead concerns Unregistered brokerage solicitation, reviewers should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations rather than apply a check designed for Broker front-running client order.

C:

This comparison primarily addresses Material nonpublic information trading, in which trading on material information not publicly available may breach insider-trading rules depending on the jurisdiction and duties involved; because the present question instead concerns Unregistered brokerage solicitation, reviewers should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations rather than apply a check designed for Material nonpublic information trading.

Question 186

Two separate review files raise different issues. File A: A trader claims value-added-tax credits based on invoices from a nonexistent supplier. File B: A criminal files an early refund claim using another taxpayer's credentials and an unrelated bank account. Which pairing accurately classifies both files?

  1. File A: False consumption-tax input credit; File B: Fabricated deductible business cost.
  2. File A: Sham offshore tax shelter; File B: Stolen-identity tax return.
  3. File A: Stolen-identity tax return; File B: False consumption-tax input credit.
  4. File A: False consumption-tax input credit; File B: Stolen-identity tax return.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

File A is False consumption-tax input credit because false input credits reduce remitted VAT or generate improper refunds, while File B is Stolen-identity tax return because refund fraud uses another person's tax identity rather than understating the criminal's own income. The evidence chains differ: for File A, reviewers should cross-match purchase invoices and tax registrations with supplier records; for File B, they should compare historical filing information with authentication and refund destination records.

Incorrect Answers

A:

File B is misidentified as Fabricated deductible business cost instead of Stolen-identity tax return. With the proposed pairing False consumption-tax input credit / Fabricated deductible business cost, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that input-tax claims do not match validated purchases or supplier filings, whereas File B shows that duplicate tax identities appear with inconsistent devices and refund recipients. For these False consumption-tax input credit and Stolen-identity tax return files, choosing the pair False consumption-tax input credit / Fabricated deductible business cost would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

B:

File A is misidentified as Sham offshore tax shelter instead of False consumption-tax input credit. With the proposed pairing Sham offshore tax shelter / Stolen-identity tax return, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that input-tax claims do not match validated purchases or supplier filings, whereas File B shows that duplicate tax identities appear with inconsistent devices and refund recipients. For these False consumption-tax input credit and Stolen-identity tax return files, choosing the pair Sham offshore tax shelter / Stolen-identity tax return would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

C:

File A is misidentified as Stolen-identity tax return instead of False consumption-tax input credit; File B is misidentified as False consumption-tax input credit instead of Stolen-identity tax return. With the proposed pairing Stolen-identity tax return / False consumption-tax input credit, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that input-tax claims do not match validated purchases or supplier filings, whereas File B shows that duplicate tax identities appear with inconsistent devices and refund recipients. For these False consumption-tax input credit and Stolen-identity tax return files, choosing the pair Stolen-identity tax return / False consumption-tax input credit would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

Question 187

Two separate review files raise different issues. File A: An account holder writes checks between two banks against funds not yet available to create an artificial temporary balance. File B: Criminals install a hidden reader on an unattended fuel terminal to copy card-track data. Which pairing accurately classifies both files?

  1. File A: Magnetic-stripe card skimming; File B: Check-kiting float abuse.
  2. File A: Check-kiting float abuse; File B: Counterfeit check creation.
  3. File A: Chip-card shimming; File B: Magnetic-stripe card skimming.
  4. File A: Check-kiting float abuse; File B: Magnetic-stripe card skimming.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

File A is Check-kiting float abuse because kiting exploits settlement timing to inflate apparent funds without a genuine source of money, while File B is Magnetic-stripe card skimming because skimmers capture card data at a physical payment interface for later unauthorized use. The evidence chains differ: for File A, reviewers should reconstruct check presentment and availability timelines across related accounts; for File B, they should compare compromised-card common points of purchase and inspect terminals for overlays.

Incorrect Answers

A:

File A is misidentified as Magnetic-stripe card skimming instead of Check-kiting float abuse; File B is misidentified as Check-kiting float abuse instead of Magnetic-stripe card skimming. With the proposed pairing Magnetic-stripe card skimming / Check-kiting float abuse, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that circular deposits and withdrawals depend on unsettled checks rather than real incoming funds, whereas File B shows that unrelated card fraud clusters around customers who used the same terminal. For these Check-kiting float abuse and Magnetic-stripe card skimming files, choosing the pair Magnetic-stripe card skimming / Check-kiting float abuse would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

B:

File B is misidentified as Counterfeit check creation instead of Magnetic-stripe card skimming. With the proposed pairing Check-kiting float abuse / Counterfeit check creation, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that circular deposits and withdrawals depend on unsettled checks rather than real incoming funds, whereas File B shows that unrelated card fraud clusters around customers who used the same terminal. For these Check-kiting float abuse and Magnetic-stripe card skimming files, choosing the pair Check-kiting float abuse / Counterfeit check creation would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

C:

File A is misidentified as Chip-card shimming instead of Check-kiting float abuse. With the proposed pairing Chip-card shimming / Magnetic-stripe card skimming, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that circular deposits and withdrawals depend on unsettled checks rather than real incoming funds, whereas File B shows that unrelated card fraud clusters around customers who used the same terminal. For these Check-kiting float abuse and Magnetic-stripe card skimming files, choosing the pair Chip-card shimming / Magnetic-stripe card skimming would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

Question 188

The case file describes the following: An individual divides a large amount of cash into repeated smaller deposits designed to avoid applicable reporting thresholds. Which classification best explains the events?

  1. Cash-deposit structuring
  2. Terrorist-financing source distinction
  3. Layering through repeated wires
  4. Money-mule transfers

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

Cash-deposit structuring fits the facts because structuring intentionally fragments transactions to evade detection or reporting; the exact threshold is jurisdiction-dependent; the distinguishing observation is that closely timed deposits aggregate to an unusual total despite individual amounts being smaller. To test this interpretation, a reviewer should aggregate linked cash transactions by beneficial party, time and channel.

Incorrect Answers

B:

Terrorist-financing source distinction would involve a different sequence from Cash-deposit structuring: terrorist financing can involve legitimately sourced money; destination and intended use are central concerns. Unlike the rejected Terrorist-financing source distinction label, the evidence concerns Cash-deposit structuring, since closely timed deposits aggregate to an unusual total despite individual amounts being smaller; reviewers should aggregate linked cash transactions by beneficial party, time and channel.

C:

Layering through repeated wires would involve a different sequence from Cash-deposit structuring: layering introduces transaction complexity to obscure the origin and control of funds. Unlike the rejected Layering through repeated wires label, the evidence concerns Cash-deposit structuring, since closely timed deposits aggregate to an unusual total despite individual amounts being smaller; reviewers should aggregate linked cash transactions by beneficial party, time and channel.

D:

Money-mule transfers would involve a different sequence from Cash-deposit structuring: money mules help move proceeds while separating the originator from subsequent recipients. Unlike the rejected Money-mule transfers label, the evidence concerns Cash-deposit structuring, since closely timed deposits aggregate to an unusual total despite individual amounts being smaller; reviewers should aggregate linked cash transactions by beneficial party, time and channel.

Question 189

Two separate review files raise different issues. File A: A controller operates many compromised devices to send coordinated login attempts to an online service. File B: An employee installs a browser plug-in that secretly reads sensitive web-form data and sends it externally. Which pairing accurately classifies both files?

  1. File A: Botnet-enabled account attacks; File B: Malicious browser extension.
  2. File A: MFA-push fatigue attack; File B: Malicious browser extension.
  3. File A: Malicious browser extension; File B: Botnet-enabled account attacks.
  4. File A: Malicious browser extension; File B: MFA-push fatigue attack.
  5. File A: Botnet-enabled account attacks; File B: Self-propagating network worm.
  6. File A: Self-propagating network worm; File B: Botnet-enabled account attacks.

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

File A is Botnet-enabled account attacks because a botnet coordinates compromised machines to perform automated abuse at scale, while File B is Malicious browser extension because browser extensions can misuse broad page-access permissions without a classic email attachment. The evidence chains differ: for File A, reviewers should analyze request patterns, device reputation and common command signatures; for File B, they should inspect extension inventory, permissions and network destinations.

Incorrect Answers

B:

File A is misidentified as MFA-push fatigue attack instead of Botnet-enabled account attacks. With the proposed pairing MFA-push fatigue attack / Malicious browser extension, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that login bursts originate from distributed hosts with synchronized behavior, whereas File B shows that unapproved extension permissions include access to every page and outbound transfers. For these Botnet-enabled account attacks and Malicious browser extension files, choosing the pair MFA-push fatigue attack / Malicious browser extension would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

C:

File A is misidentified as Malicious browser extension instead of Botnet-enabled account attacks; File B is misidentified as Botnet-enabled account attacks instead of Malicious browser extension. With the proposed pairing Malicious browser extension / Botnet-enabled account attacks, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that login bursts originate from distributed hosts with synchronized behavior, whereas File B shows that unapproved extension permissions include access to every page and outbound transfers. For these Botnet-enabled account attacks and Malicious browser extension files, choosing the pair Malicious browser extension / Botnet-enabled account attacks would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

D:

File A is misidentified as Malicious browser extension instead of Botnet-enabled account attacks; File B is misidentified as MFA-push fatigue attack instead of Malicious browser extension. With the proposed pairing Malicious browser extension / MFA-push fatigue attack, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that login bursts originate from distributed hosts with synchronized behavior, whereas File B shows that unapproved extension permissions include access to every page and outbound transfers. For these Botnet-enabled account attacks and Malicious browser extension files, choosing the pair Malicious browser extension / MFA-push fatigue attack would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

E:

File B is misidentified as Self-propagating network worm instead of Malicious browser extension. With the proposed pairing Botnet-enabled account attacks / Self-propagating network worm, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that login bursts originate from distributed hosts with synchronized behavior, whereas File B shows that unapproved extension permissions include access to every page and outbound transfers. For these Botnet-enabled account attacks and Malicious browser extension files, choosing the pair Botnet-enabled account attacks / Self-propagating network worm would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

F:

File A is misidentified as Self-propagating network worm instead of Botnet-enabled account attacks; File B is misidentified as Botnet-enabled account attacks instead of Malicious browser extension. With the proposed pairing Self-propagating network worm / Botnet-enabled account attacks, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that login bursts originate from distributed hosts with synchronized behavior, whereas File B shows that unapproved extension permissions include access to every page and outbound transfers. For these Botnet-enabled account attacks and Malicious browser extension files, choosing the pair Self-propagating network worm / Botnet-enabled account attacks would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

Question 190

The case file describes the following: An unregistered intermediary repeatedly solicits securities investors and receives transaction-based commissions where registration is legally required. Which classification best explains the events?

  1. False sustainability disclosures
  2. Broker front-running client order
  3. Material nonpublic information trading
  4. Unregistered brokerage solicitation

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

Unregistered brokerage solicitation fits the facts because securities-related compensation and solicitation can trigger registration obligations under relevant laws; the distinguishing observation is that commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence. To test this interpretation, a reviewer should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations.

Incorrect Answers

A:

False sustainability disclosures would involve a different sequence from Unregistered brokerage solicitation: nonfinancial representations can deceive securities investors when inaccurate or unsupported. Unlike the rejected False sustainability disclosures label, the evidence concerns Unregistered brokerage solicitation, since commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence; reviewers should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations.

B:

Broker front-running client order would involve a different sequence from Unregistered brokerage solicitation: misusing confidential customer-order knowledge for personal gain creates market-abuse and conflict risks. Unlike the rejected Broker front-running client order label, the evidence concerns Unregistered brokerage solicitation, since commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence; reviewers should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations.

C:

Material nonpublic information trading would involve a different sequence from Unregistered brokerage solicitation: trading on material information not publicly available may breach insider-trading rules depending on the jurisdiction and duties involved. Unlike the rejected Material nonpublic information trading label, the evidence concerns Unregistered brokerage solicitation, since commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence; reviewers should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations.

Certified Fraud Examiner - Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes (CFE - Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes) Practice Tests