A Day in the Life of a Forensic Accountant and Fraud Investigator

Fraud doesn’t take a day off. The past few days have been a whirlwind, with three calls coming in about cases that highlight just how often fraud impacts individuals, families, and businesses. Here’s a snapshot of what fraud investigators confront daily.

Case 1: A Business Betrayal
A business owner, in the process of applying for an SBA loan, asked his long-time business partner to help gather financial documents—tax returns, bank statements, the usual.

Instead of cooperating, the partner vanished. And it gets worse.

This partner deleted the owner’s access to the company’s bank accounts, stole the company computer, and skipped town.

Imagine that! A trusted partner for years suddenly disappearing with everything! Cue a full-scale fraud investigation to untangle the fallout of this betrayal.

Case 2: A Shocking Discovery in the Glovebox
A husband, while rummaging through his wife’s car, stumbled upon a surprise he’d never anticipated—four credit cards opened in his name. He had no prior knowledge of these accounts. A quick call to the credit card companies revealed over $40,000 in debt and past-due balances.

The questions were endless—what happened? Who is accountable? What’s the next step? Fraud like this can shake a person to their core, and the hunt for answers is just as critical as resolving the damage.

Case 3: The Vanishing Income
A woman going through a divorce contacted us about her soon-to-be ex-husband, a farmer, who had consistently reported $185,000 per year in income. But now, suddenly, he’s claiming his income has dropped to zero. Yes. Zero.

Coincidence, or is something more calculated happening here? That’s where the role of a forensic accountant becomes pivotal—to uncover the truth behind the numbers.

Divorces are already a maze of emotions and legalities. Financial discrepancies often make them even more contentious. In cases like this, an investigation is highly recommended.

Each call to our office reinforces one simple truth—fraud is everywhere. It happens to businesses, to families, and to individuals, often when they least expect it. From stolen bank accounts to hidden debt to conveniently disappearing income, fraud affects lives in big ways.

If you’re facing a financial mystery or suspect fraud in your own life, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to uncover the truth and help you move forward with confidence.

Fraud happens all the time. It’s not a rarity—it’s a reality.