Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through five modules, which are divided into chapters. Throughout the material, you will find readings, scenarios, and hands-on activities. You will also find knowledge checks that help you test your understanding. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The learner explains the forensic accounting, the fraudster, and the legal environment of fraud.
  • The learner analyzes fraudulent cash schemes, other asset misappropriation, prevention and detection methods.
  • The learner analyzes corruption and financial statement fraud.
  • The learner analyzes methods for fraud prevention and deterrence.
  • The learner analyzes fraud investigation, interviewing, and reporting techniques.

Assessment

The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team.

1 Final Exam
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Analyzes Fraud Schemes, Prevention, and Detection
Chapters 1-3
  • Analyze the human element of fraud by examining the psychological, criminological, and environmental factorsβ€”such as pressure, opportunity, and rationalizationβ€”that contribute to fraudulent behavior.
  • Explain the concept of occupational fraud, including its impact on organizations’ financial health and ethical culture, and the ways in which trust is violated by employees for personal gain.
  • Identify and differentiate among common types of fraud schemes, including cash receipt fraud, disbursement fraud, and financial statement fraud.
  • Evaluate fraud investigation techniques and examination methodologies used in forensic accounting to detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent activities.
  • Apply ethical and professional standards to develop a foundational approach to safeguarding financial integrity and maintaining accountability in accounting and auditing practices.
Analyzes Fraud Schemes and Asset Misappropriations
Chapters 4-5
  • Describe the legal environment surrounding accounting fraud, including key national and international laws, policies, and regulations that govern financial reporting and fraud prevention.
  • Analyze the ethical responsibilities of accounting professionals, with a focus on maintaining integrity, transparency, and accountability in financial practices.
  • Evaluate the role of compliance in preventing and detecting accounting fraud, and assess the legal consequences associated with non-compliance.
  • Apply relevant laws and regulatory frameworks to real-world scenarios and case studies to demonstrate how legal principles are enforced in response to fraudulent activities.
  • Develop the ability to identify and navigate legal complexities in accounting and auditing environments, preparing for professional roles in finance, auditing, or forensic accounting.
Analyzes Corruption and Financial Statement Fraud
Chapters 6-8
  • Demonstrate the ability to detect red flags and anomalies in financial records by applying effective fraud detection techniques and analytical procedures.
  • Apply appropriate methodologies in fraud examinations, including conducting structured interviews and gathering critical information relevant to investigative processes.
  • Collect, preserve, and document physical and digital evidence in a manner that maintains its integrity and admissibility in legal proceedings.
  • Navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital forensics, including techniques for identifying, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence in fraud investigations.
  • Prepare clear, detailed, and legally defensible fraud investigation reports that communicate findings accurately and ethically within legal and professional standards.
Analyzes Fraud Prevention Deterrence
Chapters 9-10
  • Identify indicators of potential fraud by applying investigative techniques and analytical reasoning to uncover red flags in financial data and corporate behavior.
  • Evaluate ethical considerations in fraud prevention, including how to recognize and respond to dishonest practices such as false advertising and illegal financial activities.
  • Assess risk across a variety of financial scenarios, determining the nature and extent of exposure to fraud and identifying vulnerabilities within organizational systems.
  • Apply standard risk assessment procedures to develop strategies that minimize the likelihood of fraud and enable early detection of suspicious activity.
  • Demonstrate the role of forensic accountants in proactive fraud prevention, integrating ethical judgment, risk analysis, and investigative techniques to protect financial integrity.
Analyzes Fraud Investigation, Interviewing, and Reporting Techniques
Chapters 11-12
  • Interpret the legal and regulatory frameworks governing fraud investigations, including the rights of involved parties and compliance with investigative standards.
  • Conduct initial risk assessments and red flag analyses to determine the scope, nature, and potential impact of suspected fraudulent activity.
  • Develop and implement structured investigation protocols, including documentation and communication plans, to ensure a systematic and well-documented investigation process.
  • Apply forensic evidence-gathering techniques, including appropriate methods for evidence collection, fraud-specific interview strategies, and analytical tools used in fraud investigations.
  • Prepare evidence-based investigative reports that clearly communicate findings, support legal and organizational decision-making, and provide recommendations for action or remediation.

Technology Requirements

We want you to have the tools to succeed! Since this course includes at least one proctored test, please be sure to have a working microphone, speakers, and an external webcam. Unfortunately, an internal webcam (built into many laptops) is not acceptable. (Note: The external webcam is required only for exams that have proctors. You do not need one for practice tests and other non-proctored assessments.) If you haven't already, be sure to download the Meazure Learning Guardian browser, which you will need for the proctoring system.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

For other details about the technology you'll need, review the Computer System and Technology Requirements. If you have questions about your setup, contact support@academy.wgu.edu.

Key Contacts

Course Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.