Interviewing Strategies & Reporting Methods Flashcards

What is the primary risk of conducting multiple interviews of the same witness about the same events over time?

Answer: Memory contamination and the blending of original recall with information learned later

Repeated questioning about the same events can cause witnesses to incorporate post-event information into their memories, degrading the reliability of later accounts.

Which of the following is the most appropriate first step before conducting a fraud-related interview?

Answer: Thoroughly review all available background information, documents, and prior statements

Thorough preparation allows the examiner to ask informed questions, recognize evasive answers, and detect inconsistencies between statements and known facts.

When a fraud examiner's report is marked 'Attorney-Client Privileged,' what does this designation intend to accomplish?

Answer: It protects the report from compelled disclosure in litigation if directed by counsel

When an investigation is conducted at counsel's direction, the work product and attorney-client privilege may shield the report from compelled production in litigation.

A subject claims they had no knowledge of the fraudulent transactions and blames a subordinate. Which interview technique should the examiner use to test this claim?

Answer: Ask the subject to explain their oversight responsibilities and walk through specific transactions

Asking the subject to explain their oversight role and walk through specific transactions tests the plausibility of their claimed ignorance against documented facts.

Which statement about using interpreters during fraud interviews is most accurate?

Answer: Professional, neutral interpreters should be used, and all interpretation should be recorded

Professional neutral interpreters reduce the risk of bias or coaching, and recording the interpreted session protects the integrity of the record.

What is the role of 'corroboration' in a fraud examination report?

Answer: To support key findings with independent evidence so conclusions do not rely on a single source

Corroboration strengthens findings by backing them with multiple independent sources of evidence, reducing the risk that any one piece of evidence is flawed or fabricated.

During an interview, an examiner uses the phrase 'Our investigation has determined that funds were misappropriated, and I need to understand your role.' This is an example of which technique?

Answer: A soft accusation designed to elicit a reaction and invite explanation

This phrasing states the finding as established fact and invites the subject to explain their involvement, functioning as a soft accusation that opens the admission-seeking phase.