What is a primary goal of a fraud examination?

A primary goal of a fraud examination is to establish a credible report of findings. This involves a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities and is essential for various stakeholders, including management, law enforcement, and legal authorities. By producing a credible report, fraud examiners provide clear and documented evidence of their findings, which can significantly aid in the decision-making process on how to address the situation, whether it be through legal action or organizational policy changes.

Credible reports also ensure that all involved parties trust the findings, which is vital when disputes arise over the allegations or when the organization's reputation is at stake. Ultimately, a well-documented and credible report can facilitate recovery efforts and strategic planning, making it a crucial aspect of a fraud examination's objectives. While recovering losses is an important consideration and can be a subsequent benefit, the immediate aim centers on the integrity and reliability of findings to guide further actions.