CFE Interviewing and Interrogation 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fraud examiner wants to verify a suspect's alibi without revealing what evidence exists. Which strategy is most appropriate?
- Ask directly whether the suspect has an alibi
- Use strategic use of evidence (SUE) by asking open questions before revealing known facts (Correct answer)
- Present all evidence immediately to prompt a quick admission
- Delay the interview until all evidence is confirmed
Correct answer: Use strategic use of evidence (SUE) by asking open questions before revealing known facts
The Strategic Use of Evidence technique withholds known facts while asking open questions, exposing inconsistencies when the suspect's story contradicts undisclosed evidence.
Question 2: What distinguishes an admission from a confession in fraud examination?
- An admission is signed; a confession is verbal
- An admission acknowledges facts that tend to prove guilt; a confession is a direct acknowledgment of guilt (Correct answer)
- An admission requires witness presence; a confession does not
- An admission is obtained by law enforcement only; a confession can be from any source
Correct answer: An admission acknowledges facts that tend to prove guilt; a confession is a direct acknowledgment of guilt
An admission is a statement of incriminating facts, while a confession is a full acknowledgment of committing the offense.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the role of silence during an interrogation?
- Silence should be avoided as it creates an uncomfortable atmosphere
- Silence can be used strategically to pressure the subject to fill the void with information (Correct answer)
- Silence signals to the subject that the interview is ending
- Silence is only effective when combined with a direct accusation
Correct answer: Silence can be used strategically to pressure the subject to fill the void with information
Strategic silence creates psychological pressure that often causes subjects to fill the gap with additional, sometimes self-incriminating, information.
Question 4: In fraud investigations, why is it important to interview friendly witnesses before suspects?
- To give suspects time to prepare accurate responses
- To establish baseline facts and context before confronting those potentially involved (Correct answer)
- To avoid legal liability by interviewing cooperative parties first
- Because friendly witnesses must sign off on the investigation before it can proceed
Correct answer: To establish baseline facts and context before confronting those potentially involved
Interviewing cooperative parties first builds the factual foundation and helps the examiner identify key inconsistencies to probe when questioning suspects.
Question 5: What ethical obligation does a CFE have when a subject under interview appears to be falsely confessing under pressure?
- Continue the interrogation since a confession is the goal
- Stop the interrogation and ensure the subject's rights are protected (Correct answer)
- Immediately submit the false confession as evidence
- Increase pressure to verify if the confession is genuine
Correct answer: Stop the interrogation and ensure the subject's rights are protected
CFEs must ensure that confessions are voluntary and reliable; continuing to pressure a potentially innocent subject is both unethical and legally risky.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of an 'assumptive question' used in interrogation?
- 'Did you take the money?'
- 'Why do you think someone would steal from the company?'
- 'How many times did you access the petty cash fund without authorization?' (Correct answer)
- 'Can you tell me about your responsibilities?'
Correct answer: 'How many times did you access the petty cash fund without authorization?'
Assumptive questions presuppose that the act occurred and ask about details, making it harder for the guilty party to simply deny the behavior.
Question 7: A CFE conducting an interview in a whistleblower investigation must balance information gathering with what primary concern?
- Maximizing the number of questions asked
- Protecting the whistleblower's confidentiality and safety (Correct answer)
- Ensuring the interview is completed within one hour
- Recording the session for public disclosure
Correct answer: Protecting the whistleblower's confidentiality and safety
Whistleblower protection is both an ethical duty and a legal requirement; exposing a source can deter future reporting and expose the organization to liability.
CFE Interviewing and Interrogation 5
A fraud examiner wants to verify a suspect's alibi without revealing what evidence exists.
Which strategy is most appropriate?