Fraud Talk

Cryptocurrency gives fraudsters new ways to move money, but the blockchain can also leave investigators with a trail to follow — if you know where to look. In this episode of Fraud Talk, forensic finance expert and professor John M. Griffin discusses how researchers trace illicit transactions and what those financial patterns can reveal about large-scale fraud schemes. Griffin, the James A. Elkins Centennial Chair in Finance at The University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business and CEO/founder of Integra Research Group, explains his research on how funds move through crypto networks and how investigators can use transaction data to identify connections that might otherwise go unseen. The conversation also examines how forensic finance supports the work of fraud examiners and what emerging technology could mean for tracing fraud in the years ahead. —————————— Federal Reserve Financial Services offers unique visibility across the payments ecosystem — delivering actionable intelligence, tools and educational resources that can help financial institutions mitigate fraud more effectively. Learn more at FRBservices.org.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Research Director Mason Wilder, CFE, and Training Director Jason Zirkle, CFE, join the show to examine the results of Interpol's Operation First Light 2026, a global enforcement effort involving 97 countries that led to thousands of arrests, the identification of more than 142,000 victims and the interception of nearly $293 million in illicit funds. The conversation explores what an investigation of this size reveals about the modern fraud landscape, including the growing professionalization of fraud networks and the rise of global criminal enterprises operating like mature businesses. Wilder and Zirkle discuss how fraud schemes have evolved beyond individual bad actors into interconnected ecosystems involving recruiters, money launderers, data brokers and other specialized participants. This episode also highlights the importance of information sharing, public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration, offering practical insights for fraud examiners working to identify larger criminal networks hidden behind seemingly isolated cases.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE CEO John Warren, J.D., CFE, and Chief Training Officer Andi McNeal, CFE, CPA, join the show to explore Occupational Fraud 2026: A Report to the Nations — from its origins to its impact in the anti-fraud profession. The conversation traces the biennial report’s evolution over three decades, beginning with the first edition in 1996 to its role today as a global benchmark built on thousands of detailed case submissions provided by Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs). These conversations reveal how the report is created, from the collection of thousands of survey responses to analyzing and refining the information into meaningful insights. They discuss trends revealed through the data, including the role of tips in detecting fraud and the human element of identifying behavioral red flags, to balancing long-standing findings with new perspectives in each edition. This episode also highlights the collaborative nature of the anti-fraud profession, emphasizing how contributions from CFEs worldwide make the report possible and help organizations better understand and respond to fraud risk. Download Occupational Fraud 2026: A Report to the Nations for free at ACFE.com/RTTN. —————————————— Concentrix: Download the new white paper "Rewriting the Rules: How AI Is Transforming Fraud and Dispute Resolutions" at https://www.concentrix.com/insights/thought-leadership/how-ai-is-transforming-fraud-and-dispute-resolutions/.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala, Director‑General of the World Trade Organization and recipient of the ACFE’s Cressey Award for lifetime achievement, speaks with ACFE Chief Training Officer Andi McNeal, CFE, CPA, in a conversation recorded at the 36th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference. Dr. Okonjo‑Iweala reflects on the critical role transparency, strong institutions and accountability play in preventing fraud and corruption, and where technology can reduce risk alongside the key component of human judgment. She also shares insights on Africa’s future in the global fight against corruption, lessons in building consensus under pressure and advice for women leaders grounded in values, courage and purpose.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Fraud Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jen Liebman, CFE, is joined by ACFE President and CEO John Warren, J.D., CFE, to break down the most scandalous frauds of 2025 and what they reveal about today’s global fraud landscape. The discussion explores a series of sprawling international schemes, from what may be the largest Medicare fraud in U.S. history to cyber scam operations tied to human trafficking, pig butchering cryptocurrency scams, government corruption that destabilized a national economy and a state-sponsored crypto hack linked to North Korea. Along the way, they examine the growing scale and sophistication of transnational fraud, the human consequences behind the headlines and the critical role anti-fraud professionals play in confronting increasingly complex financial crime.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, we explore an often-overlooked risk factor inside organizations: boredom. Guest Garth Sheriff, CFE, CPA, educator and former actor, joins ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins to examine how disengagement in ethics training and workplace culture can quietly open the door to fraud. Sheriff draws on his unique background in accounting, acting and continuing education to show why storytelling and lived experience matter more than checklists when it comes to ethics.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins speaks with Shai Gabay, CEO and co-founder of TrustMi, to explore how fraudsters are capitalizing on overworked teams, rushed vendor payments and internal blind spots to execute sophisticated B2B payment scams. From AI-assisted impersonation to social engineering tactics that prey on urgency, Gabay breaks down the fraud risks hiding in plain sight and what organizations can do to stay ahead without slowing down.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins interviews Fraud Magazine Assistant Editor Crystal Zuzek, co-author of "Under Pressure". They explore the rising fraud risks facing Gen Z and millennials, both as victims and as perpetrators. From emotionally manipulative scams like sextortion to friendly fraud and the glamorization of con artists, Zuzek shares insight and real stories that reveal how digital lifestyles and economic pressures are shaping the next generation.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins speaks with Victor Cardona, adjunct professor of forensic accounting at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to discuss their “Day in the Life of an IRS Agent” program. The initiative immerses students in real-world forensic accounting and criminal investigation scenarios, offering a hands-on look at careers in fraud prevention and compliance. Cardona shares how interactive education, mentorship and networking are key to inspiring the next generation of anti-fraud professionals—and why promoting ethical standards early on is essential in shaping the future workforce.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing fraud prevention in the banking industry, enhancing detection and risk management. But with these advancements come new challenges—fraudsters using AI to exploit vulnerabilities, biases in algorithms and the need for regulatory adaptation. In this episode, ACFE Content Manager Rihonna Scoggins speaks with fraud expert Kennedy Meda about the impact of AI on banking fraud, the balance between automation and human oversight and how financial institutions can stay ahead of emerging threats.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Research Specialist Sam May interviews Patrick Gushue, Acting Director of the Department of Justice's Corporate Whistleblower Awards pilot program. Together, they delve into the program's mission to uncover corporate crime by empowering whistleblowers and fostering a culture of accountability. Patrick provides an in-depth look at the program's focus on internal reporting, compliance frameworks and innovative incentives designed to encourage reporting of misconduct.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Mason Wilder sits down with Marta Cadavid, founder of NoFraud Latam, to explore the unique challenges of detecting and preventing fraud in Latin America. Cadavid shares her journey, including the creation of a Latin American-specific fraud tree, and how cultural nuances shape the approach to fraud communication. They discuss the vital role of artificial intelligence in analyzing human behavior and predicting fraudulent actions.

Amanda Holden, a partner with Deloitte's Financial Crimes, joins Samuel May, ACFE research specialist, on Fraud Talk to uncover the intricacies of fraud prevention and program integrity in the Canadian public sector. They navigate the crucial role of proactive prevention and detection, addressing the unique challenges faced by public entities in a rapidly evolving fraud landscape. Holden explores the essential COSO framework, emphasizing the balance between expediency and robust fraud controls. Dive into Holdens’s expert insights on breaking down cultural barriers, enhancing information sharing and leveraging cutting-edge data analytics and technology.