Page 673 - ACFE Fraud Reports 2009_2020

We also found differences in scheme velocity based on how many perpetrators are involved in a fraud and based
on the perpetrator’s level of authority. Schemes with three or more perpetrators escalate much more quickly than
those with just one or two perpetrators. Schemes committed by an owner/executive have a velocity over three
times that of schemes committed by an employee or manager, highlighting how those in the highest positions
have the ability to damage the company much more quickly than lower-level personnel.

Median loss Median duration Scheme velocity
(loss per month)
One perpetrator $90,000 14 months $6,400
Two perpetrators $105,000 14 months $7,500
Three or more perpetrators $350,000 15 months $23,300
Employee $60,000 12 months $5,000
Manager $150,000 18 months $8,300
Owner/executive $600,000 24 months $25,000

How Occupational Fraud is Concealed
How Occupational Fraud Is Concealed
Understanding the methods fraudsters use to conceal their crimes can assist organizations
in more e ectively detecting and preventing similar schemes in the future.

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TOP 4 CONCEALMENT METHODS USED BY FRAUDSTERS
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40% 36% 27% 26%

Created fraudulent Altered physical Altered electronic Created fraudulent
physical documents documents documents or files electronic
documents or files

12% did not involve any attempts to conceal the fraud

How Is Occupational Fraud Committed? Report to the Nations 17