Professional Certificate in Fraud Investigation
This certified course teaches the key components of investigative practice, from the elementary to the complex. From understanding key legislation and gathering intelligence, to interviewing witnesses and closing a case, it is essential learning for those working in, or aspiring to work in, fraud investigations. Relevant to public, private and third sector professionals. Fully certified and Ofqual-recognised.
You’ll gain a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of being a fraud investigator including conducting ethical, proportionate and fair investigations. You’ll explore the fraud types and theories that help you understand why people are motivated to commit fraud, and review the key legislation that underpins fraud investigations. You’ll understand how to identify and use intelligence, work with partner agencies, and plan a corporate fraud investigation. Finally, you’ll learn how to report on an investigation’s findings to support disciplinary or judicial proceedings.
Module details
The main objective of the SFJ Awards Level 4 Professional Certificate in Fraud Investigation is to develop the learner’s knowledge and skills in how to conduct fraud investigations.
The qualification covers the key components of investigative practice, and the role and responsibilities of being a fraud investigator including conducting ethical, proportionate and fair investigations. Learners will explore the fraud types and theories that help identify why people are motivated to commit fraud, and review the legislation that underpins fraud investigations. Learners will also gain an understanding of how to identify and use intelligence and work with partner agencies. They will learn how to report on an investigation’s findings to support disciplinary or judicial proceedings. Learners will also develop their skills in conducting investigative interviews and planning a corporate fraud investigation.
Unit 1. Understanding Fraud and Fraudsters
Gain a thorough understanding of fraud, including the types of fraud and the motivations to commit it, and how corporate structures such as shell companies can be used to facilitate fraud. The unit also covers the range of fraud indicators and how they might be identified.
Unit 1 learning outcomes:
- Understand fraud
- Understand how corporate structures are used in fraud
- Understand why people commit fraud
- Understand fraud and financial crime typologies and key enablers
- Be able to identify fraud indicators
Unit 2. The role of the Fraud Investigator
Understand the role and responsibilities of the fraud investigator and the importance of ethical, proportionate and fair investigations, as well as the requirement to maintain your own professional knowledge.
Unit 2 learning outcomes:
- Understand the fraud investigator role
- Understand the professional requirements of the fraud investigator role
- Understand fair and ethical investigations
Unit 3. Understanding legislation and regulations relating to fraud investigation
Gain knowledge of the legislation and regulatory framework relevant to the investigation of fraud, and an understanding of the criminal legislation used to prosecute fraud offenders.
Unit 3 learning outcomes:
- Understand the legislative and procedural frameworks that relate to corporate fraud investigations
- Understand fraud and related financial crime legislation
- Understand civil legislation and procedures relevant to corporate fraud investigations
- Understand the regulatory framework and bodies for financial services
Unit 4. Understanding intelligence gathering
Understand the intelligence cycle and how to identify and handle intelligence in accordance with recognised protocols.
Unit 4 learning outcomes
- Understand the intelligence cycle
- Understand the National Intelligence Model
- Understand how to use and analyse intelligence in fraud investigations
- Understand the sources of intelligence
- Understand intelligence handling in fraud prevention and detection
Unit 5. Principles of Fraud Investigation
Gain the core knowledge of the different aspects of a corporate fraud investigation and how to carry one out.
Unit 5 learning outcomes
- Understand the investigation models for fraud enquiries
- Understand an investigative mind-set
- Understand the decision-making process
- Understand supporting victims of fraud
- Understand the principles of evidence
- Understand the management of materials during an investigation
- Understand the differences of approach in civil, criminal and regulatory investigations
- Understand the management of parallel investigations
- Understand record keeping during an investigation
Unit 6. Working with partner organisations in fraud investigations
Gain the knowledge required when working with partner organisations on fraud investigations, including the role of communication and their own responsibilities.
Unit 6 learning outcomes:
- Understand working with partner organisations in fraud investigations
- Understand communication in partnership working in fraud investigations
- Understand working with law enforcement agencies in fraud investigations
- Understand own role and responsibilities in partnership working
Unit 7. Undertaking Interviews in Fraud Investigations
Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake an investigative interview. This unit covers how the memory works, effective question types to aid memory recall, written statements and the use of cautions.
Unit 7 learning outcomes:
- Understand principles of investigative interviews of witnesses, victims and suspects
- Understand how to conduct a fraud interview
- Understand the use of cautions in the interview process
- Understand how to take written statements
- Be able to conduct investigative interviews
Unit 8. Fraud Investigation planning and process
Learn how to undertake a corporate fraud investigation and use this knowledge to plan one.
Unit 8 Learning outcomes
- Understand how to develop a case theory
- Understand how to resource an investigation
- Understand how to build a case
- Understand the briefing models used in fraud investigations
- Be able to plan a fraud investigation
Unit 9 Fraud Investigation reporting and closure
Equip yourself with knowledge of reporting requirements in fraud investigations and the process for closing fraud cases, including the judicial process and the use of debriefs and sanctions.
Unit 9 learning outcomes:
- Understand report writing in fraud investigations
- Understand disclosure requirements
- Understand the judicial process relating to fraud investigations
- Understand structured debriefs in fraud investigations
Understand the use of sanctions in fraud cases
Entry requirements
Open to UK, EU and international individuals working in the field of fraud prevention and investigation, or looking to develop a career in the area. No prior entry requirements.
Schedule & Teaching
This course is comprised of nine teaching modules. Each module is delivered online in a single day of live teaching, with a two-week interval between modules to enable you to reflect on your learning and complete any written tasks set by your tutor
This accredited qualification is regularly assessed throughout your learning, with a final written assignment due ten weeks after the final taught module.
All teaching is currently virtual via Zoom, with sessions recorded to provide flexibility. However, we strongly recommend that learners make every effort to attend the live teaching days to benefit from the full experience of the collaborative discussions they facilitate.
Induction will take place in the week before the course commences. Attendance is advisable but those who are unable to attend will still be able to undertake the course.
Testimonials
"A hugely indepth and detailed course that provided much insight into not just fraud investigations but also an unexpected insight into English Law, interview techniques and Court procedures."
Mark Carter
"The course was a brilliant course with good experienced trainers that could recall knowledge from work life experience not just reading from a text book. This massively helped with understanding the content. The course was interactive and got the cohorts thinking about the answers again not just re laid from a text book. Special thanks to the tutor who was open, supportive and constructive in his feedback which massively helped."
"Thoroughly enjoyed the course, I have learned so much that i can take back and use within my role and the trainers are very knowledgeable and a great laugh."
"The fraud investigation course has been one of the most eye opening and informative courses I’ve completed to date. The knowledge and skills I can bring to my job role to help my personal development since studying is incredible. I would recommend anyone working within the fraud industry to study this course to support self development and gain a deeper insight to fraud and investigations."
"I enjoyed the course, and have learnt a lot over the last 6 months. A highlight of the course would be Unit 7: Undertaking Interviews in Fraud Investigations, as I found this not only very informative, but helpful towards the type of job I do. It has allowed me to expand my knowledge surrounding interviews, and I have taken onboard a lot of useful tips."
"I have found the course insightful, useful and exciting. The tutors really engaged with the group and made it feel like we got to know each other despite working virtually. i would highly recommend."
"This course has been the most informative and captivating course I have partaken in, because of this it has been a joy to complete. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable and approachable - they want you to succeed! It has been a worthwhile investment of my time and money."
"I am seeking a new career in counter fraud and this course has provided me with a huge amount of knowledge to pursue this. It flows and details relevant legislation and how it pertains to investigations, management of suspects, witnesses and victims. A great course I would highly recommend and i now look forward to completing my Digital Fraud Practitioner training with Cifas."