FCA170 - Detection and Prevention of Fraud
Semester | |
School | |
Last revision date | 2025-05-26 01:38:21.385 |
Last review date | 2025-07-14 00:15:11.517 |
Subject Title
Detection and Prevention of Fraud
Subject Description
Detecting fraud, even for a seasoned professional, is not always easy, and preventing it can be twice as challenging. Students learn how to use analysis tools (Fraud Triangle) to detect fraud and prevent fraud from occurring. Students also explore the aspects of internal control and the theories available to assist in fraud detection and prevention. They examine how an internal audit function within a company can assist the organization in detecting and preventing fraud by utilizing such tools as an ethics hotline.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
- Detect fraud using data analysis tools and/or techniques.
- List and describe different types of controls that arise when detecting and/or preventing fraud.
- Develop internal control procedures forreducing the risk that a fraud may occur in the workplace.
- Describe the components of the Fraud Triangle including pressures, opportunities and rationalizations.
- Explain the various fraud theories including control theory, self-control theory, neutralization theory, rational choice theory, and differential association.
Essential Employability Skills
• Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
• Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
• Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Prerequisite(s)
None.
Topic Outline
- Develop internal control procedures for reducing the risk that a fraud may occur in the workplace.
- Detect fraud using data analysis tools and/or techniques.
- List and describe different types of controls that arise when detecting and/or preventing fraud.
- Describe the components of the Fraud Triangle including pressures, opportunities and rationalizations.
- Explain the various fraud theories including control theory, self-control theory, neutralization theory, rational choice theory, and differential association.
Mode of Instruction
In-Class / Virtual Classroom
A combination of teaching methods will be utilized which may include lectures, case studies, discussions, group and individual work.
Prescribed Texts
Title: A Guide To Forensic Accounting Investigation
Author: Steven L. Skalak
Publisher: Wiley
Edition: 2nd
ISBN: 9780470599075
Title: Fraud Auditing & Forensic Accounting
Author: Singleton
Publisher: Wiley
Edition: 4th
ISBN: 9780470564134
Title: Acfi Fraud Manual
Author: Acfi
Publisher: Acfi
Edition: 9th
Digital purchase from: https://www.acfi.ca/education-resources/the-acfi-fraud-manual-9th-edition/the-fraud-manual-non-member/
To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.
Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.
Reference Material
Guides on research and citations: https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/
Required Supplies
None.
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html
A+ | 90% to 100% |
A | 80% to 89% |
B+ | 75% to 79% |
B | 70% to 74% |
C+ | 65% to 69% |
C | 60% to 64% |
D+ | 55% to 59% |
D | 50% to 54% |
F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
OR | |
EXC | Excellent |
SAT | Satisfactory |
UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).
Modes of Evaluation
In cases of cheating or plagiarism, the College Academic Policy will prevail. Please ensure that all assignments and reports are properly documented.
Students are referred to the following website for Seneca College Library style guides, Academic Honesty Policy and Copyright guidelines: https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/
Dates for evaluations are specified in the weekly schedule addendum to this outline. The evaluation process may include, but is not limited to, tests, exams, assignments or presentations. Supporting documentation may be requested for absences or missed submissions due to medical or other reasons. Faculty must be notified immediately in the event of a missed evaluation. Upon acceptance of the absence, and applicable documentation, the weighting of the missed deliverable will normally be applied to the final exam.
English Competency
The ability to communicate effectively is essential for success in business. Therefore, you must demonstrate English competency in this course in both oral and written work. Ensure your written work includes correct sentence structure, spelling and punctuation. Always spell check, edit and proofread your work.
Assignments | 30% |
Participation | 10% |
Midterm | 25% |
Final Case | 35% |
All the academic policies of the College at which you registered apply. This includes, but is not limited to policies related to grading, supplemental exams, deferred exams and accommodations.