The Institute of Internal Auditors Red Flags of Fraud: Situational Pressures That Contribute To Management Fraud
The Institute of Internal Auditors Red Flags of Fraud: Situational Pressures That Contribute To Management Fraud
External economic conditions that can lead to Firm characteristics that make it easier for an
fraud are: individual to commit fraud are:
1. Unfavorable economic conditions 1. Failure to inform employees about rules
within an industry. and disciplines of fraud perpetrators.
2. Difficulty in collecting receivables. 2. Rapid turnover of key employees.
3. Unusually heavy competition. 3. Absence of mandatory vacations.
4. Significant reduction in sales backlog. 4. Absence of periodic rotations or
5. Pressure to merge. transfers of employees.
6. Sizeable inventory increase without a 5. Inadequate personnel screening policies
comparable sales increase. for hiring new employees.
6. Absence of explicit and uniform
Legal difficulties that can lead to fraud are: personnel policies.
1. Significant tax adjustments. 7. Failure to maintain accurate personnel
2. Significant litigation, especially records for disciplinary actions.
between stockholders and management. 8. Failure to require executive disclosures.
9. Dishonest or unethical management.
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The Institute of Internal Auditors
10. Dominant top management. 14. Lack of internal security.
11. Constantly operating under crisis 15. Too much trust is placed in key
conditions. employees.
12. Paying little attention to details. 16. Tenure on key jobs becomes too long.
13. Impersonal relationships or poor 17. Books and records are sloppy.
morale.
Note: Red flags provided are examples, and not intended to represent an exhaustive list.