The free CD, "How Fraud Hurts You and Your Organization," assumes no prior knowledge about fraud and shows how trusted employees at all levels can become tempted to commit fraud. It explains what all employees can do to help protect their jobs and their organizations from fraud.

In video clips from interviews, three individuals convicted of fraud -- an entry-level worker, an accounting manager and a senior manager -- explain how they fell into the trap of thinking that embezzling money from their organization, or "cooking the books," would solve their problems. 

The CD includes a brief course on fraud theory, including the three elements of the "Fraud Triangle" that must be present for fraud to occur. 
 
"According to a study we conducted, internal fraud may cost as much as $600 billion a year, or $4,500 for every worker," said Joseph T. Wells, Chairman of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. "Fraud harms both the company and the individuals who work there. This CD-ROM can help empower employees to stop fraud."

"The first line of defense to prevent or detect fraud is to deploy effective anti-fraud programs and controls within every business in America," said Barry C. Melancon, AICPA President. "It's imperative that everyone understand the motivation for fraud and how frauds are committed."
 
The CD is the latest installment in the AICPA's anti-fraud campaign, which Melancon announced in a Sept. 4 speech at the Yale Club in New York. It began in October with the release of a new standard that gives auditors expanded guidance in detecting fraud. Last month, the Institute, along with six other professional organizations, produced a set of anti-fraud programs and controls for boards of directors and management. Currently in development are a fraud summit and an Institute of Fraud Studies with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the University of Texas.
 
"The potential for fraud is always present," Melancon said. "As such, businesses must continually update their knowledge, skills and standards.
 
"How Fraud Hurts You and Your Organization" may be downloaded free from http://www.aicpa.org/antifraud/training/homepage.htm.

See also:

• Former Fraudster Goes to Hollywood
• ACFE Kicks Off National Fraud Awareness Week
• Money Laundering 101: Ten Ways to Place Dirty Money
• How to Prevent the Loss of Important Financial Data