ACFE CFE - Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes (Certified Fraud Examiner - Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes) Practice Test 83

Question 820

The case file describes the following: A bank sees layered transfers without economic support but the account holder has not been convicted of a crime. Which classification best explains the events?

  1. Opaque beneficial-ownership layers
  2. Cash-deposit structuring
  3. Suspicious-activity reporting decision
  4. Terrorist-financing source distinction

Explanation

Correct Answer

C:

Suspicious-activity reporting decision fits the facts because a SAR or STR is a suspicion-based regulatory tool; examiners need not prove criminal guilt before considering it; the distinguishing observation is that a documented pattern raises a reasonable suspicion even though proof of an offense is incomplete. To test this interpretation, a reviewer should review linked transactions and record the rationale for a report under applicable law.

Incorrect Answers

A:

Opaque beneficial-ownership layers would involve a different sequence from Suspicious-activity reporting decision: legal-entity layers can conceal who controls funds and defeat superficial name-only screening. Unlike the rejected Opaque beneficial-ownership layers label, the evidence concerns Suspicious-activity reporting decision, since a documented pattern raises a reasonable suspicion even though proof of an offense is incomplete; reviewers should review linked transactions and record the rationale for a report under applicable law.

B:

Cash-deposit structuring would involve a different sequence from Suspicious-activity reporting decision: structuring intentionally fragments transactions to evade detection or reporting; the exact threshold is jurisdiction-dependent. Unlike the rejected Cash-deposit structuring label, the evidence concerns Suspicious-activity reporting decision, since a documented pattern raises a reasonable suspicion even though proof of an offense is incomplete; reviewers should review linked transactions and record the rationale for a report under applicable law.

D:

Terrorist-financing source distinction would involve a different sequence from Suspicious-activity reporting decision: 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 Suspicious-activity reporting decision, since a documented pattern raises a reasonable suspicion even though proof of an offense is incomplete; reviewers should review linked transactions and record the rationale for a report under applicable law.

Question 821

An analyst is selecting warning signs for false sustainability disclosures. Which recorded pattern should receive focused attention?

  1. Commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence.
  2. Recommendation rationale conflicts with the client's recorded objectives and liquidity requirements.
  3. Turnover and commission-to-equity ratios become excessive relative to client objectives.
  4. External sustainability claims disagree with underlying meter and assurance records.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

This observation is a pertinent indicator of False sustainability disclosures because nonfinancial representations can deceive securities investors when inaccurate or unsupported. The practical corroborating procedure is to trace public environmental claims to primary data, methodology and validation evidence; the indicator by itself does not establish intent or error.

Incorrect Answers

A:

The proposed observation fits Unregistered brokerage solicitation, where securities-related compensation and solicitation can trigger registration obligations under relevant laws, rather than the particular mechanism in False sustainability disclosures. Unlike the clue for Unregistered brokerage solicitation, the more directly related indicator for False sustainability disclosures is this: External sustainability claims disagree with underlying meter and assurance records.

B:

The proposed observation fits Unsuitable securities recommendation, where a sale can be improper because the recommendation does not match the customer's circumstances, not because the product itself is inherently unlawful, rather than the particular mechanism in False sustainability disclosures. Unlike the clue for Unsuitable securities recommendation, the more directly related indicator for False sustainability disclosures is this: External sustainability claims disagree with underlying meter and assurance records.

C:

The proposed observation fits Excessive-account churning, where excessive trading for broker compensation can constitute churning when control and other relevant elements are present, rather than the particular mechanism in False sustainability disclosures. Unlike the clue for Excessive-account churning, the more directly related indicator for False sustainability disclosures is this: External sustainability claims disagree with underlying meter and assurance records.

Question 822

The available records suggest self-propagating network worm: Multiple hosts develop the same exploit-driven processes in rapid succession. Which TWO actions together provide one direct check and one targeted preventive measure? Choose TWO.

  1. Inspect extension inventory, permissions and network destinations.
  2. Patch exposed services and segment networks to limit automatic spread.
  3. Credential stores are accessed by an untrusted process followed by remote logins.
  4. Analyze lateral network connections and common exploit artifacts.
  5. Use bot mitigation, rate limits and anomalous-traffic detection.

Explanation

Correct Answers

B:

This safeguard directly reduces Self-propagating network worm exposure because a worm propagates autonomously; a conventional virus generally attaches to a host file or program. The control should be monitored using records from this check: Analyze lateral network connections and common exploit artifacts.

D:

This procedure verifies the records implicated by Self-propagating network worm; the observed anomaly is that multiple hosts develop the same exploit-driven processes in rapid succession. For the Self-propagating network worm concern, it can distinguish errors and innocent explanations from possible misstatements or wrongdoing before reaching a conclusion.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This procedure tests Malicious browser extension rather than the named Self-propagating network worm concern. The Malicious browser extension evidence is unapproved extension permissions include access to every page and outbound transfers, while the Self-propagating network worm path requires reviewers to analyze lateral network connections and common exploit artifacts.

C:

The listed warning sign specifically concerns Infostealer browser credential theft, where infostealers harvest authentication secrets for later impersonation and account abuse, not the requested Self-propagating network worm review. Unlike the Infostealer browser credential theft indicator, the relevant signal for Self-propagating network worm is this: Multiple hosts develop the same exploit-driven processes in rapid succession.

E:

The chosen preventive action chiefly mitigates Botnet-enabled account attacks, where a botnet coordinates compromised machines to perform automated abuse at scale. For Self-propagating network worm, unlike Botnet-enabled account attacks, the targeted safeguard is to patch exposed services and segment networks to limit automatic spread because the exposure occurs at a different point.

Question 823

The case file describes the following: A criminal uses stolen support credentials to access a workstation remotely and launch unauthorized transfers. Which classification best explains the events?

  1. Vendor-mailbox business email compromise
  2. Remote desktop credential intrusion
  3. MFA-push fatigue attack
  4. QR-code phishing campaign

Explanation

Correct Answer

B:

Remote desktop credential intrusion fits the facts because valid-looking remote sessions can conceal misuse of stolen administrator access; the distinguishing observation is that remote access occurs outside approved support windows from unusual source networks. To test this interpretation, a reviewer should compare remote session logs, privileged access records and transfer activity.

Incorrect Answers

A:

Vendor-mailbox business email compromise would involve a different sequence from Remote desktop credential intrusion: bEC uses trusted business communications to redirect funds without necessarily altering the invoice amount. Unlike the rejected Vendor-mailbox business email compromise label, the evidence concerns Remote desktop credential intrusion, since remote access occurs outside approved support windows from unusual source networks; reviewers should compare remote session logs, privileged access records and transfer activity.

C:

MFA-push fatigue attack would involve a different sequence from Remote desktop credential intrusion: repeated prompts exploit human approval fatigue rather than cracking the second factor. Unlike the rejected MFA-push fatigue attack label, the evidence concerns Remote desktop credential intrusion, since remote access occurs outside approved support windows from unusual source networks; reviewers should compare remote session logs, privileged access records and transfer activity.

D:

QR-code phishing campaign would involve a different sequence from Remote desktop credential intrusion: qR phishing hides a malicious URL within an image instead of a visible hyperlink. Unlike the rejected QR-code phishing campaign label, the evidence concerns Remote desktop credential intrusion, since remote access occurs outside approved support windows from unusual source networks; reviewers should compare remote session logs, privileged access records and transfer activity.

Question 824

An analyst is selecting warning signs for inflated real estate appraisal. Which recorded pattern should receive focused attention?

  1. Funding, occupancy and beneficial control point to a party other than the borrower of record.
  2. Multiple recent inquiries and fresh obligations exceed declared indebtedness.
  3. Lease listings and other residence records contradict the declared occupancy.
  4. Appraisal assumptions diverge from nearby verified comparable transactions.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

This observation is a pertinent indicator of Inflated real estate appraisal because artificial collateral values lead lenders to advance more credit than the asset justifies. The practical corroborating procedure is to independently review valuation methods, comparable sales and appraiser relationships; the indicator by itself does not establish intent or error.

Incorrect Answers

A:

The proposed observation fits Mortgage straw-buyer scheme, where a nominal applicant conceals the real party controlling the property and borrowing transaction, rather than the particular mechanism in Inflated real estate appraisal. Unlike the clue for Mortgage straw-buyer scheme, the more directly related indicator for Inflated real estate appraisal is this: Appraisal assumptions diverge from nearby verified comparable transactions.

B:

The proposed observation fits Loan-stacking applications, where hidden parallel borrowing makes the applicant's repayment capacity appear stronger than it is, rather than the particular mechanism in Inflated real estate appraisal. Unlike the clue for Loan-stacking applications, the more directly related indicator for Inflated real estate appraisal is this: Appraisal assumptions diverge from nearby verified comparable transactions.

C:

The proposed observation fits Occupancy-misrepresented mortgage, where misstated intended use can improperly obtain lending terms reserved for a primary residence, rather than the particular mechanism in Inflated real estate appraisal. Unlike the clue for Occupancy-misrepresented mortgage, the more directly related indicator for Inflated real estate appraisal is this: Appraisal assumptions diverge from nearby verified comparable transactions.

Question 825

Two separate review files raise different issues. File A: A supplier offers a senior manager's relative a paid role in return for bypassing tender evaluation. File B: Competing contractors agree on which firm will win successive public tenders and submit intentionally weak bids. Which pairing accurately classifies both files?

  1. File A: Improper job-for-favor arrangement; File B: Bid-sharing cartel.
  2. File A: Improper job-for-favor arrangement; File B: Sham consulting bribe.
  3. File A: Bid-sharing cartel; File B: Improper job-for-favor arrangement.
  4. File A: Unapproved facilitation payment; File B: Bid-sharing cartel.

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

File A is Improper job-for-favor arrangement because noncash personal advantages can function as bribes when tied to official discretion, while File B is Bid-sharing cartel because bid rotation is collusion among bidders that undermines competitive award outcomes. The evidence chains differ: for File A, reviewers should compare hiring decisions, supplier influence and communications about procurement scoring; for File B, they should analyze repeated bid participants, price spreads and shared document metadata.

Incorrect Answers

B:

File B is misidentified as Sham consulting bribe instead of Bid-sharing cartel. With the proposed pairing Improper job-for-favor arrangement / Sham consulting bribe, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that the appointment follows requests to change the supplier ranking, whereas File B shows that winner patterns rotate while bids share unusual formatting and pricing structures. For these Improper job-for-favor arrangement and Bid-sharing cartel files, choosing the pair Improper job-for-favor arrangement / Sham consulting bribe would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

C:

File A is misidentified as Bid-sharing cartel instead of Improper job-for-favor arrangement; File B is misidentified as Improper job-for-favor arrangement instead of Bid-sharing cartel. With the proposed pairing Bid-sharing cartel / Improper job-for-favor arrangement, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that the appointment follows requests to change the supplier ranking, whereas File B shows that winner patterns rotate while bids share unusual formatting and pricing structures. For these Improper job-for-favor arrangement and Bid-sharing cartel files, choosing the pair Bid-sharing cartel / Improper job-for-favor arrangement would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

D:

File A is misidentified as Unapproved facilitation payment instead of Improper job-for-favor arrangement. With the proposed pairing Unapproved facilitation payment / Bid-sharing cartel, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that the appointment follows requests to change the supplier ranking, whereas File B shows that winner patterns rotate while bids share unusual formatting and pricing structures. For these Improper job-for-favor arrangement and Bid-sharing cartel files, choosing the pair Unapproved facilitation payment / Bid-sharing cartel would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

Question 826

Control designers are focusing on the mechanism behind infostealer browser credential theft: Infostealers harvest authentication secrets for later impersonation and account abuse. Which measure best limits that opportunity?

  1. Restrict credential storage exposure and use endpoint protection and strong sign-in controls.
  2. Maintain protected backups, endpoint controls and segmented access.
  3. Patch exposed services and segment networks to limit automatic spread.
  4. Secure DNS administration and detect unauthorized name-resolution changes.

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

The control directly addresses the failure point in Infostealer browser credential theft, since infostealers harvest authentication secrets for later impersonation and account abuse. A subsequent independent review could correlate malware telemetry, credential access and session-token reuse to identify exceptions that bypassed the safeguard.

Incorrect Answers

B:

This safeguard is directed primarily at Ransomware file encryption rather than Infostealer browser credential theft, because ransomware denies access through malicious encryption and extortion, not primarily by changing invoice beneficiaries. Unlike the control for Ransomware file encryption, the more direct design for Infostealer browser credential theft is to restrict credential storage exposure and use endpoint protection and strong sign-in controls; a different safeguard cannot substitute for it.

C:

This safeguard is directed primarily at Self-propagating network worm rather than Infostealer browser credential theft, because a worm propagates autonomously; a conventional virus generally attaches to a host file or program. Unlike the control for Self-propagating network worm, the more direct design for Infostealer browser credential theft is to restrict credential storage exposure and use endpoint protection and strong sign-in controls; a different safeguard cannot substitute for it.

D:

This safeguard is directed primarily at Pharming through DNS manipulation rather than Infostealer browser credential theft, because pharming diverts site resolution without requiring victims to click a deceptive message link. Unlike the control for Pharming through DNS manipulation, the more direct design for Infostealer browser credential theft is to restrict credential storage exposure and use endpoint protection and strong sign-in controls; a different safeguard cannot substitute for it.

Question 827

Reviewers flag a possible fictitious register refund issue. Their preliminary finding is: Refunds lack linked original sales or physical returned goods. Which test would best confirm or refute the concern?

  1. Match void timestamps with customer receipts and inventory movement.
  2. Reconcile register paid-outs to approved source documents and purchases.
  3. Test cash refunds against original receipts, customer details and inventory returns.
  4. Compare normalized receipt images and merchant details across claim histories.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C:

For the Fictitious register refund concern, the procedure tests source evidence behind this observation: Refunds lack linked original sales or physical returned goods. This matters because the false disbursement is disguised as money returned to a customer; independent corroboration is necessary before accepting any conclusion.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This comparison primarily addresses Fraudulent sale void, in which voiding erases or reverses a legitimate recorded sale while the customer payment was retained; because the present question instead concerns Fictitious register refund, reviewers should test cash refunds against original receipts, customer details and inventory returns rather than apply a check designed for Fraudulent sale void.

B:

This comparison primarily addresses Unauthorized register cash payout, in which the register balance is reduced through a purported business disbursement rather than a sale; because the present question instead concerns Fictitious register refund, reviewers should test cash refunds against original receipts, customer details and inventory returns rather than apply a check designed for Unauthorized register cash payout.

D:

This comparison primarily addresses Duplicate expense reimbursement, in which one real expense is reimbursed more than once, inflating the employee's recovery; because the present question instead concerns Fictitious register refund, reviewers should test cash refunds against original receipts, customer details and inventory returns rather than apply a check designed for Duplicate expense reimbursement.

Question 828

The review team observes the following: The demand uses urgency and an implausible nonofficial payment method. It seeks one targeted detection step and one preventive measure that address the same underlying vulnerability. Which pairing is best?

  1. Diagnostic: Review account authority, beneficiary connections and contemporaneous consent evidence; safeguard: Promote independent verification of government demands and payment routes.
  2. Diagnostic: Verify asset custody, independent reserves and the reality of return generation; safeguard: Scrutinize whether rewards derive mainly from recruitment rather than legitimate product sales.
  3. Diagnostic: Check the claim using government contact channels obtained independently; safeguard: Avoid relying on promised yields and require independent counterparty verification.
  4. Diagnostic: Check the claim using government contact channels obtained independently; safeguard: Promote independent verification of government demands and payment routes.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

The test addresses Government-agent impersonation scam by targeting this observation: The demand uses urgency and an implausible nonofficial payment method. The accompanying safeguard—promote independent verification of government demands and payment routes—counters the same opportunity, so both checking and prevention concern one cause.

Incorrect Answers

A:

The proposed safeguard is relevant to Government-agent impersonation scam, but the diagnostic tests Elder caregiver financial exploitation rather than the identified anomaly. That test is aimed at records involving payments to caregiver-related accounts rise as the person's capacity or independence declines; the specified case instead calls for reviewers to check the claim using government contact channels obtained independently.

B:

The evidence test relates to Guaranteed crypto yield scam, whereas the proposed safeguard protects against Recruitment-driven pyramid; neither directly resolves Government-agent impersonation scam. Unlike the Guaranteed crypto yield scam test and Recruitment-driven pyramid safeguard, the investigation of Government-agent impersonation scam requires reviewers to check the claim using government contact channels obtained independently, followed by assessment of the matching control point.

C:

The diagnostic correctly examines Government-agent impersonation scam by having reviewers check the claim using government contact channels obtained independently, but the safeguard is for Guaranteed crypto yield scam. That prevention step responds to a different mechanism: Unsubstantiated investment guarantees can camouflage misappropriation rather than legitimate market profits.

Question 829

The review team observes the following: Redemptions correlate with fresh investor money instead of investment profits. It seeks one targeted detection step and one preventive measure that address the same underlying vulnerability. Which pairing is best?

  1. Diagnostic: Analyze compensation flows and genuine external customer transactions; safeguard: Require independent custody and verification of investment performance.
  2. Diagnostic: Check the claim using government contact channels obtained independently; safeguard: Explain that legitimate prize verification does not require secret advance remittances to claimants.
  3. Diagnostic: Trace cash sources for investor payouts and independently verify held assets; safeguard: Promote independent verification of government demands and payment routes.
  4. Diagnostic: Trace cash sources for investor payouts and independently verify held assets; safeguard: Require independent custody and verification of investment performance.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

The test addresses Ponzi payout financing by targeting this observation: Redemptions correlate with fresh investor money instead of investment profits. The accompanying safeguard—require independent custody and verification of investment performance—counters the same opportunity, so both checking and prevention concern one cause.

Incorrect Answers

A:

The proposed safeguard is relevant to Ponzi payout financing, but the diagnostic tests Recruitment-driven pyramid rather than the identified anomaly. That test is aimed at records involving compensation depends on enrollment fees and chain recruitment despite weak retail sales; the specified case instead calls for reviewers to trace cash sources for investor payouts and independently verify held assets.

B:

The evidence test relates to Government-agent impersonation scam, whereas the proposed safeguard protects against Advance-fee lottery fraud; neither directly resolves Ponzi payout financing. Unlike the Government-agent impersonation scam test and Advance-fee lottery fraud safeguard, the investigation of Ponzi payout financing requires reviewers to trace cash sources for investor payouts and independently verify held assets, followed by assessment of the matching control point.

C:

The diagnostic correctly examines Ponzi payout financing by having reviewers trace cash sources for investor payouts and independently verify held assets, but the safeguard is for Government-agent impersonation scam. That prevention step responds to a different mechanism: Authority impersonation exploits fear and urgency to make victims send funds.

Question 830

Two separate review files raise different issues. File A: An unregistered intermediary repeatedly solicits securities investors and receives transaction-based commissions where registration is legally required. File B: A trading desk employee buys a security personally just before executing a large known customer buy order. Which pairing accurately classifies both files?

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

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

File A is Unregistered brokerage solicitation because securities-related compensation and solicitation can trigger registration obligations under relevant laws, while File B is Broker front-running client order because misusing confidential customer-order knowledge for personal gain creates market-abuse and conflict risks. The evidence chains differ: for File A, reviewers should compare business activities and compensation against applicable regulator registrations; for File B, they should join employee transaction records with confidential order timestamps and market prices.

Incorrect Answers

B:

File B is misidentified as False sustainability disclosures instead of Broker front-running client order. With the proposed pairing Unregistered brokerage solicitation / False sustainability disclosures, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence, whereas File B shows that employee trades consistently precede client orders and benefit from resulting price movements. For these Unregistered brokerage solicitation and Broker front-running client order files, choosing the pair Unregistered brokerage solicitation / False sustainability disclosures would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

C:

File A is misidentified as Broker front-running client order instead of Unregistered brokerage solicitation; File B is misidentified as Unregistered brokerage solicitation instead of Broker front-running client order. With the proposed pairing Broker front-running client order / Unregistered brokerage solicitation, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence, whereas File B shows that employee trades consistently precede client orders and benefit from resulting price movements. For these Unregistered brokerage solicitation and Broker front-running client order files, choosing the pair Broker front-running client order / Unregistered brokerage solicitation would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

D:

File A is misidentified as Material nonpublic information trading instead of Unregistered brokerage solicitation. With the proposed pairing Material nonpublic information trading / Broker front-running client order, the distinction is substantive: File A shows that commission records show ongoing securities placement activity without appropriate registration evidence, whereas File B shows that employee trades consistently precede client orders and benefit from resulting price movements. For these Unregistered brokerage solicitation and Broker front-running client order files, choosing the pair Material nonpublic information trading / Broker front-running client order would misdirect the review away from at least one of these mechanisms.

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