Browse all practice questions for the ACFE Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Investigations Practice Exam. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

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  • Which term refers to an individual's need for the esteem of others?
  • When interviewing a fraud suspect, which response indicates the suspect may be guilty?
  • What role does employee training play in fraud prevention?
  • What method is commonly used to trace illicit funds in investigations?
  • What does the term "Fraud Triangle" represent?
  • Which type of fraud typically includes embezzlement and theft of company assets?
  • When might a fraud examiner refer a case to law enforcement?
  • Bob calls Jim's parents to obtain his address under false pretenses. Is this act illegal pretexting?
  • How should organizations respond to identified control weaknesses?
  • What is the primary goal of an entity's fraud policy?
  • What type of information is typically obtained from a check negotiated by a subject?
  • Which term describes rewards not directly related to the interview experience that motivate respondents?
  • Which of the following are query words or symbols used in search engine queries to instruct search engines to perform special actions when executing a search?
  • What is a "whistleblower"?
  • What role does technology play in modern fraud investigations?
  • What is the purpose of the ACFE's code of ethics?
  • Which method is recommended for organizing a fraud examination report?
  • What question should a fraud examiner ask to probe for additional details after an oral confession?
  • Which organization should a fraud examiner contact for information on individuals in the U.S. futures industry?
  • The fraud examiner should document the details of an interview within how long after the interview date?
  • Which of the following is NOT one of the designed purposes of asking introductory questions in interview situations?
  • What is the best practice for documenting findings in a fraud investigation?
  • Why is risk assessment crucial in a fraud examination?
  • Which type of information can be obtained from Internet archives?
  • Why is training employees about fraud awareness important?
  • What is asset misappropriation in the context of fraud?
  • Which of the following is an example of financial statement fraud?
  • Which data analysis tool is especially effective in identifying indirect relationships?
  • What is the nature of the question, "Did you just want extra money, or did you do this because you had financial problems?"
  • What is a good practice for taking notes during an interview?
  • Which of the following is NOT a common type of fraud?
  • Which of the following is a type of information that can be obtained from the deep Web?
  • When attempting to diffuse a suspect's alibi, which technique is recommended?
  • Which of the following best describes the CFE credential?
  • Which method is commonly used by fraud examiners to analyze large amounts of data for irregular patterns?
  • What role do internal controls play in fraud prevention?
  • What data analysis software function allows users to relate several files without the use of the join command?
  • Which part of the investigation process is crucial for understanding the motive behind financial discrepancies?
  • When seizing a computer that is operational, what should the seizing party generally avoid doing?
  • Text-based data is primarily considered what type of data?
  • What is the most effective search string for finding articles related to check fraud?
  • During an admission-seeking interview, how should an interviewer respond when a suspect starts to deny an accusation?
  • Which of the following is a key component of a fraud investigation?
  • How can an investigator establish the credibility of a witness?
  • Which of the following is considered an objective of preliminary data collection?
  • Which action is considered a proactive approach in fraud prevention?
  • What is the purpose of an exit interview in fraud investigations?
  • Which organization oversees the regulation of the U.S. securities industry?
  • What does "due diligence" entail in a fraud examination?
  • What type of fraud is characterized by employees manipulating company data?
  • What does a fraud examination primarily aim to uncover?
  • How do interviews aid in gathering evidence for fraud examinations?
  • What is the most accurate statement about trying to locate a subject using online records?
  • How can behavior indicators assist in fraud detection?
  • What is generally true about audit clauses within business contracts regarding privacy interests?
  • Which of the following is a category of informational interview questions?
  • What do lifestyle audits assess during fraud investigations?
  • What is the primary goal of a fraud investigation?
  • What is an objective of an admission-seeking interview?
  • What type of information can a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings search primarily help identify?
  • Which of the following is a key component of fraud investigation?
  • What does mutual legal assistance (MLA) entail?
  • If a fraud examiner is preparing to provide cash to a confidential informant who refuses to sign for it, what is the best course of action?
  • What is the primary goal of an admission-seeking interview?
  • In digital forensics, why is it important to preserve the chain of custody?
  • What is the primary role of forensic accounting in a fraud investigation?
  • What is "conflict of interest" in the context of fraud examination?
  • What does "Benford's Law" help identify in fraud investigations?
  • What can be a consequence of failing to report suspected fraud?
  • What effect does an interview subject's intelligence level have on the investigator's ability to read behavioral clues?
  • What is a primary goal of the investigator during an interview?
  • What is the introductory step of an interview where the interviewer explains the purpose?
  • What is an important skill for a Certified Fraud Examiner?
  • What is a type of visual aid that shows the relationship between multiple entities?
  • Which of the following statements concerning the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is FALSE?
  • How can digital forensics assist in fraud investigations?
  • What is the significance of "chain of custody" in evidence handling?
  • How do suspects typically react when confessing to fraud regarding the accuracy of details?
  • What type of questions in interviews makes it hard for the respondent to say "yes" or "no"?
  • What is the first step in the fraud investigation process?
  • What type of fraud occurs when false financial statements are created?
  • When proving a suspect's illicit income circumstantially, which tracing method is most effective for funds spent on non-asset items?
  • What is the significance of having a strong code of ethics in any organization?
  • During an interview, what is an effective way to build rapport with the subject?
  • Which investigative technique involves observing a subject's activities?
  • What is the role of a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)?
  • In fraud examination, what significance does a "tip" hold?
  • In a fraud case, what is the significance of having a key document file?
  • Why is it important to avoid taking too many notes during an interview?
  • Under the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act, does an employer need an employee's consent to access the employee's credit report for investigations into suspected misconduct?
  • What is the importance of a fraud examination report?
  • Which of the following is NOT a valid use of public records in a fraud investigation?
  • What is the primary purpose of conducting interviews during an investigation?
  • Which document is crucial for supporting fraud findings during legal proceedings?
  • What is an important ethical consideration for fraud examiners during interviews?
  • What does "red flag" mean in the context of fraud investigations?
  • Which statement best reflects the purpose of establishing a matrix in fraud investigations?
  • Which of the following best describes financial fraud?
  • Which of the following is an obligation of registered financial professionals regarding client data?
  • What critical aspect does rapport building help achieve in an interview setting?
  • Which of the following might be considered an investigative technique in fraud examination?
  • In interview situations, is it advisable to take too many notes?
  • Are the rules of admissibility for digital evidence typically stricter than those for tangible evidence?
  • Define Fraud Risk Assessment.
  • What is the purpose of documenting evidence in a fraud investigation?
  • Why is continuous monitoring important in fraud prevention?
  • What type of communication is defined by the use of personal space during an interview?
  • What kind of language style is recommended to avoid confusion during an interview?
  • What does "document analysis" involve in fraud examinations?
  • During the preparation phase of a data analysis engagement, which step involves processing the data?
  • What method is incorrectly described as determining illicit income based on assets vs. liabilities?
  • In interviews involving anxiety and uncertainty, individuals might perform displacement activities that reduce nervousness. These types of displacement activities are known as:
  • What is the first step in fraud risk assessment?
  • Why should one be cautious about searching a computer that has just been seized?
  • Why is understanding human behavior important in fraud investigations?
  • In preparation for an admission-seeking interview, where should the suspect's chair be positioned?
  • What is a common behavior indicator of possible fraud?
  • What is the primary purpose of metadata in document management?
  • In interviews, which type of communication involves volume, pitch, and voice quality?
  • How can social media be a useful tool in fraud investigations?
  • What is the implication of findings from a fraud examination?
  • Which statement about computer forensic recovery is MOST ACCURATE?
  • When tracing financial transactions, what method uses the subject's records to analyze the relationship between their receipts and asset disposition?
  • Which practice is recommended for managing evidence in fraud investigations?
  • What is a control weakness?
  • What role does skepticism play in fraud investigation?
  • What is the significance of documenting procedures in fraud investigations?
  • Which of the following statements about U.S. bankruptcy court records is correct?
  • In the context of evaluating deception, what are illustrators?
  • Which statement best defines steganography?
  • When might an investigator choose to conduct covert surveillance?
  • What is meant by "fraudulent conveyance"?
  • Which piece of information is typically not found on a personal bank account's signature card?
  • Why is financial data analysis crucial in fraud investigations?
  • Which of the following is generally NOT a recommended practice when organizing evidence in fraud cases?
  • In the U.S., is an oral confession considered as legally binding as a written confession?
  • Define "Fraud" in the context of the ACFE.
  • What is a primary goal of a fraud examination?
  • When conducting interviews, why is it important to establish rapport with the interviewee?
  • Which technique is inappropriate in interviewing a suspect?
  • How important is professionalism in the conduct of a fraud examination?
  • What role does the National Futures Association (NFA) play for the U.S. futures industry?
  • Which of the following is TRUE about using computer-created metadata in forensic investigations?
  • Why is evidence preservation important in fraud investigations?
  • How do financial ratios assist in fraud detection?
  • What is a common method used to conceal fraudulent activities?
  • Which information can typically be found in a bankruptcy file?
  • What does the term "due diligence" refer to in fraud investigations?
  • What constitutes vendor fraud?
  • What is the primary advantage of establishing a database early in a fraud investigation?
  • What is the role of a Certified Fraud Examiner during an investigation?
  • What should be done with evidence collected during a fraud investigation?
  • The net-worth analysis method of tracing illicit funds is recommended as a primary method of proof under which conditions?
  • What’s a common limitation of using electronic documents in fraud investigations?
  • What role do interviews play in fraud examination?
  • What is the purpose of corroborating evidence in a fraud investigation?
  • What are common red flags that may indicate fraud?
  • What may trigger a "whistleblower" complaint?
  • What is an "exhibit" in legal terms?
  • Which of the following could be considered a "false document" in fraud situations?
  • In interview scenarios, what term describes a barrier that prevents the flow of information from a respondent?
  • Which source is likely to contain information about a suspect's hidden assets based on suspicious financing?
  • What is behavioral analysis in the context of fraud investigation?
  • What is a common use of public records in fraud examinations?
  • What is the purpose of internal controls in fraud prevention?
  • What kind of questioning is typically more likely to elicit information from suspects?
  • In fraud investigations, why is confidentiality important?
  • Which of the following scenarios would be regulated by the U.S. Privacy Act of 1974?
  • Which method can investigators use to detect steganography?
  • Why would a fraud examiner perform duplicate testing on data?
  • Describe "procurement fraud."
  • In the context of fraud examination, what does the term "digital evidence" generally include?
  • In interview strategy, what is the term for good timing in pausing or pacing?
  • To maintain the confidentiality of a fraud investigation, what policy should management implement?
  • Which of the following is a limitation of Benford's Law?
  • Do records of a wire transfer identify the sender of the wire?
  • Which legal principle safeguards certain information from disclosure in fraud investigations?
  • Which type of questions are considered less threatening in volatile interviews?
  • What is pretexting defined as?
  • What is the primary purpose of an investigation in fraud examination?
  • What is an interview protocol?
  • What is the primary purpose of conducting interviews during a fraud investigation?
  • What type of question is used to elicit information about controls from someone involved in their development?
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