Fraud & Embezzlement Investigations

Inherent in fraud is the intent to deceive. This means that the fraudster attempts to hide his or her illicit actions.

Forensic Accountants & Business Management Specialists for Your Claim

At Hampton IP, our fraud investigation professionals are well-versed in the practices of accounting and banking, as well as trained in the various methods of uncovering fraud. We have the knowledge and tools to see through the fog that fraudsters intentionally create to cover their tracks.

Since we understand that fraud allegations are sensitive to all parties involved, we conduct fraud investigations unobtrusively and discreetly under your direction and control. We also understand that the size, complexity, and cost of any fraud investigation must be in proportion to the magnitude of the fraud and the likelihood of recovering misappropriated assets.

What Is Fraud?

Fraud is an intentional deception to gain a profit or an unfair advantage. Unlike negligence, fraud is almost always deliberate. Fraud comprises acts, omissions, and concealments by a person in a position of trust that results in damage to another.

Common types of fraud include:

• Embezzlement
• Cash larceny
• Theft of inventory
• Bribery
• Economic extortion
• Conflicts of interest
• Illegal gratuities

The least common type of fraud is financial statement fraud, which is the intentional creation or alteration of financial statements so that they do not reflect the company’s actual financial standing. Although financial statement fraud occurs least often, it creates the largest amount of loss.

How Can Hampton IP Help?

At Hampton IP, we have conducted numerous fraud investigations. We can help you understand the magnitude of the theft, as well as the method used by the fraudster. With our forensic accounting background and experience, we can quickly evaluate accounting records, create and test fraud theories, and investigate transactions to help you understand the overall impact of the fraud.

Let us assist you when fraudulent activity is suspected. Our expert consultants and expert witnesses are specifically trained and have the necessary experience to effectively conduct interviews, assemble evidence, write comprehensive reports, and (if the case moves forward to litigation) give persuasive expert witness testimony.

We can also assist your company by performing a fraud risk assessment. A fraud risk assessment helps your company identify where your fraud risks are, even before fraud occurs. In addition, we can help you develop a fraud risk response plan so that you know what to do and how to proceed if you suspect or find fraud.