Which statement best reflects the purpose of establishing a matrix in fraud investigations?

The purpose of establishing a matrix in fraud investigations is to identify contacts between entities. A matrix is a valuable tool that helps investigators visualize relationships and connections among various parties involved in a case. This facilitates the understanding of how different entities interact with each other, which can be crucial in detecting patterns of collusion or coordination in fraudulent activities. By laying out contacts, investigators can pinpoint key players, assess potential motives, and determine the nature and extent of their involvement in the scheme. This clarity is essential in constructing a comprehensive narrative of the fraudulent conduct being examined.

While displaying financial records, highlighting interview notes, and detailing transaction timelines are all important components of fraud investigations, they do not encapsulate the primary function of a matrix. Financial records and transaction timelines are useful for establishing credibility and connecting dots between actions but are not the focus of the relational analysis that a matrix provides. Highlighting interview notes may also help in understanding individual perspectives or evidence but does not specifically address the relationships among various entities in the context of the investigation.