Midwest Fraud Investigators Network

On October 20th and 21st, the Midwest Fraud Investigators Network will once again host a virtual conference.

We have a great lineup of speakers. Once again, the conference will occur over two days. Each day will consist of a morning session from 8:30 to 12:30. Cost for attendance will be $75. Register online here.

Here are our presenters:

Erik Shiffman, ASAC FBI Chicago – Ransomware: History and Trends

A brief examination of how ransomware has evolved into its current state and where it’s going next. This examination will include ransomware origins, evolving trends and obstacles, as well as basic mitigation efforts. Additionally, I will also discuss how best to involve your local FBI Field Office for critical incident response purposes.

 

Holly Zielke and Claudia Kemple, IL Department of Aging – Adult Protective Services—Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation

The Illinois Adult Protective Services (APS) Program is the state designated agency directed to investigate and respond to reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of adults aged 18-59 year of age with a disability and adults aged 60 years of age and older.  Financial exploitation is one of the most reported and substantiated types of abuse that Adult Protective Services addresses.  In this presentation, we will review how APS are provided and how APS collaborates with other professions in the protection of vulnerable adults.

Ryan Duquette, ACFE RSM Canada—Through the Looking Glass

“Through the looking glass” is a metaphorical expression meaning: on the strange side, in the twilight zone, or in a strange, parallel world. While the internet can be considered a strange, parallel world, it can also be an informative, interesting, yet scary place when conducting different types of investigations. There are various technologies and methods that you can use to protect your identity and information while conducting internet-based investigations. This session will illustrate these technologies and methods to keep you safe when investigating online.

You will learn how to:

Identify the methods criminals use to find your data.
Compare various technologies and software tools to protect your identity while investigating online.
Examine various methods to employ to hide your own tracks.

Tony Paixão—Wicklander-Zulawski Associates – The Anatomy of the Investigative Interview

The investigative interview is more than a conversation—it’s a strategy. To maximize on the evidence uncovered from an extensive investigation, the investigator needs to curate the appropriate interview approach that leverages rapport, strategic questioning, and self-control. In this presentation, we will explore what components promote an “effective” investigative interview, we will discuss how to formulate a calculated line questioning that’s focused on eliciting the maximum amount of information and we will discuss the importance of keeping the most important variable in the exchange under control—yourself.

Mark you calendars – This year the MFIN Annual Fraud Conference will be October 20th and 21st from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Once again, the conference will be virtual. Planning is still under way, so stay tuned for details.

On October 21st, the Midwest Fraud Investigators Network will host its first virtual conference.

We have a great lineup of speakers and for the first time, our conference will occur over two days. Each day will consist of a morning session from 8:30 to 12:30 to accommodate everyone’s work schedules. Cost for attendance will be $75. Register online here.

Here is our lineup of presenters:

October 21st– Deidre M. Dyer, Deputy Supervisor, Public Corruption/Financial Crimes Unit—Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office

An Overview of Complex Financial Crimes Prosecutions Seeks to help bridge the gap between prosecutors and the various agencies that investigate financial crimes. The training will take a look at laws available in Illinois to prosecute complicated financial crimes. In addition there will be a review of strategies and a framework for approaching these cases even when faced with a large number of transactions or evidence. Assistant State’s Attorney Deidre M. Dyer will offer her perspective on how to better manage these cases so that your time is spent more efficiently, and she will provide case studies and examples to show that even the most complicated cases can often be easier to handle with a few simple guidelines in mind.

October 21st– David Williams, Supervisor, Special Prosecutions Bureau—Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office

Preparing for and Testifying in Court

As an investigator everyone works hard to find and preserve evidence. Building a case is a skill. Presenting the case is another skill. Sometimes equally important. This presentation will assist in providing tips for testifying in court that include proper paperwork, preparation and presentation.

October 22nd—Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope—Can You Really Spot the Red Flags?

Developing professional skepticism is an important skill that all accountants must have but how do we ensure that we have it? In this interactive presentation we will utilize material from Red Flag Mania e-learning platform to practice our ability to exercise professional skepticism and discuss the importance of understanding red flags in the fraud prevention process.

October 22nd– Mason Wilder, CFE—Deepfakes: Changing the Fraud Landscape

Video or audio clips manipulated by advanced technology, otherwise known as “deepfakes,” could produce devastating societal impacts, from swinging elections to causing riots or even prompting a war. As researchers, governments and technology companies grapple with the existential threats posed by deepfakes, the fraud implications of the phenomenon might be overlooked.

As resources for creating deepfakes become more advanced or accessible, other traditional fraud schemes could benefit from leveraging the ability to manipulate audio and video. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with deepfakes and how best to protect your organization from this emerging threat and understand potential implications for more traditional fraud examination issues.