Page 704 - ACFE Fraud Reports 2009_2020

Collusion by Multiple FIG. 38 How does the number of perpetrators in a scheme relate to

Perpetrators occupational fraud?

Figure 38 shows that 51% of 49%
frauds in our study were com- of cases ONE
mitted by two or more fraudsters
working in collusion. Losses PERPETRATOR
Median
tended to increase with multi- $90,000 loss
ple perpetrators—particularly
when three or more individuals
conspired to commit fraud. One 18% TWO
reason collusive frauds might be of cases
more costly is that multiple fraud- PERPETRATORS
sters working together might Median
be better able to undermine the $105,000 loss
systems of separated duties and
independent verification that are 33%
at the heart of many anti-fraud of cases THREE OR MORE
controls. PERPETRATORS
Median
Perpetrator’s $350,000 loss
Criminal Background

Our past studies have shown
that most occupational fraudsters FIG. 39 Do perpetrators tend to have prior fraud convictions?
have no prior criminal history
before they commit their crimes,
and our current data reinforces
those findings. Only 4% of the
perpetrators in this study had
been previously convicted of a
fraud-related offense. It should
be noted that 41% of the occu-
pational frauds in our study were
never reported to law enforce-
ment (see Response to Fraud
infographic on page 55), which
is also consistent with our past
research. This indicates that the
true number of repeat offenders
is probably higher than what can
be determined through criminal Never charged or convicted (89%)
records.
Charged, but not convicted (7%)

Had prior convictions (4%)

48 Perpetrators Report to the Nations