The Dual Benefits of Being a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Polygraph Examiner

In today’s complex world, organisations face numerous challenges in protecting themselves from fraud and deception. To combat these threats effectively, professionals equipped with specialised skills and certifications are indispensable assets. Among such individuals, those individuals who possess the dual qualifications of being a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Polygraph Examiner stand out as invaluable resources in the realm of fraud detection and prevention. This article delves into the significant benefits of holding both certifications and the unique advantages it brings to the table.

1. Enhanced Fraud Detection Abilities:

Combining the expertise of a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Polygraph Examiner have proven to provide a powerful advantage in identifying fraudulent activities. On the one hand, CFEs are well-versed in understanding financial transactions, investigating accounting irregularities, and recognizing patterns that may indicate fraudulent behaviour. On the other hand, a Polygraph Examiner possesses the skills to administer lie detector tests, which can be a crucial tool in verifying the truthfulness of individuals during investigations. 

By utilising both skill sets simultaneously a comprehensive understanding of complex fraud cases can be formed, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate detections.

2. Strengthening Investigative Interviews:

In fraud investigations, interviews play a pivotal role in gathering evidence and extracting information from suspects and witnesses. Being trained in both fraud examination and polygraphy empowers the examiner to approach interviews from multiple perspectives. The CFE qualification ensures the examiner asks relevant questions related to financial matters and fraudulent activities and also provides insight when structuring exam questions to directly address the issue under investigation. 

Meanwhile, the polygraph expertise helps in assessing the credibility of responses given during interviews as polygraph examiners have the ability to look for indicators of deception during the interview phase by looking for high stress indicators, adaptive behaviour, micro expressions and general body language. 

As a result, the combined skill set allows for more effective and insightful interviews, contributing to better decision-making and case resolution. Also, polygraph examiners get extensively trained on different types of interviewing models and interrogation methods to maximise the chances of obtaining verbal admissions during the interviewing phase and promote the likelihood of obtaining a valid confession in the post-test phase.

3. Building Credibility and Trust:

Organisations value professionals who hold distinguished qualifications and experience. Having dual certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Polygraph Examiner enhances an individual’s reputation and credibility. Employers can be confident in their ability to handle complex fraud cases and conduct reliable polygraph examinations. Furthermore, this credibility extends to the courtroom or CCMA, where expert testimony can significantly impact the outcome of fraud-related legal proceedings.

It’s worth noting that professional memberships held by CFEs and Polygraph Examiners should be regarded as valuable as the respective qualifications, given that these organisations bind members to high standards and quality of service. In South Africa, the Association for Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is one of the leading CFE membership institutions, while the Southern African Polygraph Federation (SAPFED) a leading association for polygraph examiners. Both these organisations also require that members participate in ongoing advanced annual training seminars in their respective fields.

4. Versatility in Career Opportunities:

The CFE and Polygraph Examiner qualifications open up diverse career avenues for individuals seeking to make a difference in the field of fraud detection and investigation. A professional holding both certifications can work in various sectors, including corporate fraud investigation, law enforcement agencies, government organisations, insurance companies, and private consulting firms. The ability to combine financial expertise with polygraphy proficiency makes these individuals highly sought after across a broad spectrum of industries.

5. Enhanced Team Collaboration:

Fraud investigations often involve multi-disciplinary teams with different areas of expertise. Professionals holding both certifications can bridge the gap between financial experts, legal representatives, and investigative personnel. They can effectively communicate complex financial matters to non-financial team members and collaborate seamlessly to uncover fraudulent activities. 

This collaboration leads to a more efficient investigation process and, in turn, helps organisations recover losses and implement mitigation controls to prevent future fraud. For this reason, the ACFE and SAPFED have a standing memorandum of understanding in place to facilitate collaboration and further the efficacy of fraud investigations. 

In conclusion, the combination of being a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Polygraph Examiner creates a powerful synergy that greatly benefits both professionals and the organisations they serve. This unique skill set enhances fraud detection abilities, strengthens investigative interviews, builds credibility and trust, expands career opportunities, fosters collaboration within investigative teams, and ultimately contributes to creating a safer and more secure society.