Page 257 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

258 Deception at Work

Table 7.20 Most likely reactions to possible commitment of the act

Reactions indicating innocence Reactions indicating guilt
He would not commit the act
May explain
May reveal detail known only to the perpetrator
May suggest a stupid method as a diversionary tactic

The fact that a person will admit that he has considered the possibility of committing fraud
is significant indication of guilt. You should remain on the lookout for obvious diversionary
tactics. For example, the suspect may suggest a method that is obviously unworkable in the
hope that he can demonstrate his ignorance of what actually happened.

ASK IF HE WOULD ADMIT

Ask the subject if he had done the act in question, whether he would admit it (Table 7.21).

Table 7.21 Most likely reactions to the possibility of admission

Reactions indicating innocence Reactions indicating guilt

Pausing and then probably ‘no’ or ‘would Most likely ‘yes’, but answered without thinking
depend on the circumstances’

RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS: FAILURE TO DENY

You should make a direct accusation (Table 7.22).

Example : ‘Tom, I think you did it for the following reasons.’ Then explain the deception
theory and key points.

Table 7.22 Most likely reactions to a direct accusation

Reactions indicating innocence Reactions indicating guilt
Committed first person singular, past tense denial Pseudo-denial (see page 88)
Anger Feigned anger

RESPONSE TO REPEATED ALLEGATIONS

You should repeat the allegations throughout the interview (Table 7.23).

Table 7.23 Most likely reactions to repeated allegations

Reactions indicating innocence Reactions indicating guilt
Denials increasing in strength Pseudo-denials decreasing in strength