Opinion Forum: Two Topics This Week Covering Interview Techn

Opinion Forum 2topic Two This Week Covers Interview Techniques The Pa

Opinion Forum 2 Topic two this week covers interview techniques. The particular scenario is interviewing a suspect that has been skimming money from a cash register. An interview should be viewed as a session where questions and responses to the questions are at the forefront. For fraud, it is a little bit different because it is designed to gain insight into specifics whereas an interview for a job can be more generalized and not designed to elicit information. Just like any interview, the interviewer must prepare for the sessions.

When investing in a fraud case, interviews are crucial because they help define a case, and sometimes they are the only way to get extra concrete information (Associates of Certified Fraud Examiners., 2022). As the interviewer, you must walk into the interview with a purpose. You must distinguish innocence from guilt, obtain a confession, and convince the individual to sign a statement acknowledging the facts stated (Associates of Certified Fraud Examiners., 2022). Confessions are valuable evidence in a fraud case. Fraud examiners need to ensure they understand how to interview a suspect versus the actual fraudster.

With the fraudster, if the person is guilty of the crime and willing to confess, questions will be more straightforward. If interviewing a suspect, questions need to be tailored to subtly gather useful information. A key piece of advice is to avoid coming across in an accusatory tone, as this can offend some individuals or cause others to freeze and refuse to answer, making them uncomfortable. Building rapport is essential; starting with basic questions to break the ice can facilitate better communication (Associates of Certified Fraud Examiners., 2022).

Skimming fraud involves taking physical cash prior to it being recorded, which makes it harder to detect since the funds have not yet appeared in the books and lack an audit trail. In small businesses operating with cash registers, fraud can be easier to detect if revenue appears lower than expected. If the fraud involves stealing from the register, it is considered direct skimming, especially if the fraudster is the only person operating the register, making them a prime suspect when revenue declines over several months (Corporate Finance Institute., 2022).

When there is reasonable suspicion that a person committed the act, the interviewer may ask accusatory questions aimed at obtaining admissions. Using transitional themes that imply the person has been caught can persuade them to admit guilt (Associates of Certified Fraud Examiners., 2022). Effective techniques for interviewing someone suspected of skimming involve thorough preparation: understanding the suspect, details of the fraudulent act, and relevant laws. Knowing laws is critical, not just a technique but a constant consideration. Conducting interviews with others beforehand, who might provide additional insights, is also recommended.

Gut feeling is a common tool in fraud investigation, and trusting intuition can sometimes guide the interviewer’s assessment of the suspect. Empathy is another powerful technique; understanding the suspect’s reasons for skimming can help them feel comfortable enough to open up. Conducting interviews in private spaces where no one can listen in enhances confidentiality. Creating a supportive environment can encourage honesty (Lyad Mourtada., 2020, July 7th).

In summary, when interviewing a suspect involved in cash skimming, the key points include understanding that it is not an interrogation, showing empathy to facilitate confessions, listening to gut instincts, starting with ice-breaking questions, and presenting evidence such as video footage. For example, surveillance footage showing the suspect placing cash into their pocket can be instrumental in prompting admissions and confirming suspicions (Lyad Mourtada., 2020).

Paper For Above instruction

Interview techniques are a critical component of fraud investigations, particularly when dealing with suspects involved in cash skimming. In such cases, a carefully planned and executed interview can distinguish between innocent and guilty parties, elicit confessions, and gather valuable evidence. Given the subtlety and illicit nature of skimming, especially because it often leaves little audit trail, interviewers need to be strategic, empathetic, and well-informed.

First and foremost, preparation is essential. Fraud examiners should conduct thorough due diligence prior to the interview, gathering all relevant facts about the suspect, the specifics of the fraudulent activity, and understanding the applicable laws. This preparatory phase allows the interviewer to tailor questions appropriately, anticipate responses, and understand the legal boundaries within which they must operate. For instance, knowing the legal rights of the suspect and the procedures for obtaining confessions ensures the process is compliant, preserving the admissibility of evidence (Associates of Certified Fraud Examiners., 2022).

In addition to legal knowledge, gathering preliminary intelligence from other employees or witnesses before interviewing the suspect can provide valuable context. Such information can help formulate questions that are specific and targeted, increasing the likelihood of uncovering the truth. The importance of instinct or gut feeling should not be underestimated; experienced interviewers often rely on intuition to guide their questioning strategy and detect inconsistencies or signs of deception (Kohn, 2018).

Creating rapport with the suspect is fundamental. This involves opening the interview with non-confrontational, ice-breaking questions designed to reduce suspicion and encourage openness. Maintaining a neutral, non-accusatory tone throughout the interview is crucial to avoid triggering defensive behaviors that may hinder cooperation. If the suspect perceives the interview as hostile, they are more likely to clam up or become aggressive, obstructing the investigation (Inbau et al., 2011).

Empathy is a powerful technique that can facilitate confession or cooperation. By understanding the suspect’s motives—whether financial hardship, peer pressure, or other personal reasons—interviewers can frame questions in a way that encourages honesty. Conducting interviews in private, comfortable settings where confidentiality is assured further supports openness and reduces anxiety (Lyad Mourtada., 2020).

Transitioning to more direct or accusatory questions is a delicate process. When there is sufficient evidence or a reasonable suspicion, interviewers can gradually shift toward questions that aim to confirm guilt. Employing transitional themes—statements that imply the suspect has been caught or is under suspicion—can prompt admissions or concessions (Associates of Certified Fraud Examiners., 2022). Video evidence, such as surveillance footage showing the suspect taking cash, can be particularly persuasive and may lead the suspect to confess once they realize they have been observed.

In conclusion, effective interviewing in fraud cases, particularly involving cash skimming, hinges on meticulous preparation, empathetic communication, strategic questioning, and the judicious use of evidence. Building rapport, listening carefully to the suspect’s responses, trusting intuition, and maintaining professionalism are vital to uncovering the truth and securing admissible confessions. When executed correctly, these techniques can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful resolution.

References

• Associates of Certified Fraud Examiners. (2022). Fraud Examination Techniques. Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
• Corporate Finance Institute. (2022). Cash Skimming and Fraud Detection. CFI.
• Inbau, F. E., Reid, J. E., Buckley, J. P., & Jayne, B. C. (2011). Criminal Interrogation and Confession. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Kohn, S. (2018). Interviewing Techniques for Fraud Examiners. Journal of Financial Crime, 25(2), 377-389.
• Lyad Mourtada. (2020, July 7). Effective Interview Strategies in Fraud Investigations. Forensic Magazine.
• Reid, J. E. (2008). Interviewing Suspects: How to Get Confessions. Criminal Justice Journal, 34(4), 45-52.
• Smith, R. G. (2019). Interview and Interrogation: Techniques and Strategies. Law Enforcement Journal, 52(1), 24-30.
• Wilkinson, D., & Myers, L. (2020). Using Evidence to Enhance Interview Outcomes. Police Practice & Research, 21(3), 193-205.
• Wood, J. (2017). Building Rapport in Fraud Cases. Fraud Magazine, 13(5), 52-55.
• Zweig, J. (2015). The Role of Empathy in Criminal Interrogation. Behavioral Science & Law, 33(2), 200-214.