According to Toby J.F. Bishop, CFE, CPA, FCA, ACFE President & CEO, this reflects a growing demand for trained anti-fraud professionals to address continuing concerns about fraud in business and government.

"The implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has led audit committees and boards of directors to recognize that fraud is a long-term trend that we need to fight every day," Bishop said. "Many organizations are just beginning to realize how big a risk, and cost, fraud represents and they are educating themselves to fight fraud effectively."

Not only is the ACFE's membership growing, but the number of people pursuing the Certified Fraud Examiner designation is up too. Approximately 15,000 ACFE members hold the CFE designation and more than 1,600 ACFE members are currently studying for the CFE exam.

The ACFE has published the 2004 Report to the Nation on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, a comprehensive report that sheds light on occupational fraud and abuse while offering stark lessons and valuable insights about its detection and deterrence. The 2004 Report to the Nation is available for free download at www.CFEnet.com/report