Certified Fraud Examiner Interviewing and Interrogation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is conducting an initial informational interview with an accounts payable clerk who is not a primary suspect but may have knowledge of a billing scheme.
Which type of question should the CFE primarily use during this interview?

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions

Answer

Leading questions

Answer

Accusatory questions

Answer

Closed-ended questions

Question 2

During an admission-seeking interview, a suspect's speech patterns change significantly. Which of the following verbal cues is most commonly associated with deception?

Accepted Answer

The use of oaths and character testimony, such as 'I swear I didn't do it.'

Answer

Using increasingly complex sentence structures

Answer

Speaking at a consistent and measured pace

Answer

Providing direct and concise answers to all questions

Question 3

Which of the following correctly outlines the three general phases of a structured interview process used by fraud examiners?

Accepted Answer

Introduction, Informational, and Closing

Answer

Confrontation, Accusation, and Confession

Answer

Planning, Execution, and Reporting

Answer

Assessment, Admission-Seeking, and Documentation

Question 4

A fraud examiner is interviewing a purchasing manager about a potential kickback scheme. After gathering initial information, the examiner believes the manager is culpable. The examiner decides to transition to an admission-seeking interview. What is the most critical first step in this transition?

Accepted Answer

Making a direct, yet private, accusation of wrongdoing

Answer

Immediately presenting all the evidence of the manager's guilt

Answer

Offering a promise of leniency in exchange for a confession

Answer

Asking a closed-ended question that the manager is known to have lied about

Question 5

What is the primary objective of an assessment interview?

Accepted Answer

To systematically observe the subject's verbal and non-verbal behavior to gauge their truthfulness.

Answer

To obtain a legally binding confession from the suspect.

Answer

To gather general information from neutral third-party witnesses.

Answer

To confront the subject with evidence and secure an admission of guilt.

Question 6

After a lengthy admission-seeking interview, a suspect verbally confesses to embezzling company funds. Which of the following is the most crucial next step for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) to take?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a voluntary, written statement from the suspect.

Answer

Immediately notify law enforcement to arrest the suspect.

Answer

End the interview and document the confession in a memorandum within 48 hours.

Answer

Have the suspect sign a pre-written confession prepared by the CFE.