Behind the Scenes of a Fraud Investigation: A Day in the Life of a CFE

Fraud can lurk in the shadows of any business—sometimes for years before it’s uncovered. That’s why the role of a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is so critical. At Lucrum Legal Accounting, our CFEs combine accounting, investigative, and legal expertise to follow the trail of evidence wherever it leads. But what does a fraud investigation really look like from the inside? Let’s step into a typical day.

Morning: Following the Money

The day often starts with a financial document review. A CFE digs into ledgers, bank statements, and invoices, looking for irregularities: double payments, unusual expense patterns, or unexplained transfers. It’s less about numbers in isolation and more about spotting trends that don’t add up.

Think of it as detective work with spreadsheets—every transaction tells part of a story, and our job is to see the whole plot.

Midday: Interviews and Discovery

Once suspicious activity is identified, the next step is gathering more context. This can include:

• Conducting interviews with employees, vendors, or management to clarify details.

• Assisting attorneys with discovery, ensuring financial documents are organized, analyzed, and ready for legal proceedings.

• Tracing funds across accounts, subsidiaries, or even international transfers.

At this stage, a CFE balances technical expertise with people skills—knowing the right questions to ask while preserving professionalism and confidentiality.

Afternoon: Building the Case

After collecting the data, the CFE shifts into analysis mode. This means:

• Forensic accounting and investigation – piecing together financial puzzles to confirm or disprove fraud.

• Quantifying losses – calculating exactly how much money was misappropriated.

• Drafting clear reports – designed not just for accountants, but for attorneys, executives, and courts.

Accuracy here is crucial; every number may later be scrutinized in litigation.

End of Day: Preparing to Testify

When fraud escalates to legal action, a CFE must be ready to step into the courtroom. That’s where expert witness testimony comes in. CFEs translate complicated financial evidence into simple, understandable terms for judges and juries.

It’s not about “accountant-speak”—it’s about telling the financial truth in a way everyone can grasp.

Why It Matters

Fraud isn’t just about stolen money—it’s about broken trust, damaged reputations, and compromised futures. By working with a CFE, businesses gain more than an investigation.

They gain:

• Clarity about what really happened

• Documentation strong enough to stand in court

• Recommendations to strengthen financial controls and prevent repeat issues

Final Thoughts

Behind every fraud case is a story of opportunity, deception, and discovery. A Certified Fraud Examiner’s role is to uncover that story and help business owners take back control of their finances.

At Lucrum Legal Accounting, our CFEs combine forensic accounting, investigation, and litigation support to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

👉 If you suspect fraud—or simply want to safeguard your business against it—reach out today.