Fraud Fighter E-Book

Joseph T. Wells

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 458

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

A collection of insightful, poignant, and humorous stories fromDr. Joseph Wells, the world's foremost fraud expert?with gutsyrevelations of his own past mistakes From his dysfunctional childhood in rural Oklahoma; his servicein the U.S.Navy; a brief stint in public accounting followed by acareer in the FBI; and founding the world's largest anti-fraudorganization, Wells' colorful life experiences were preparation forhis rise to one of the globe's most revered antifraud experts. * Written by the preeminent antifraud authority and founder andChairman of the ACFE * Offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the life of oneof the most influential white-collar crime experts of our time At a period when dishonesty at top U.S. companies is dominatingpublic attention, The Fables and Foibles of a Fraud Fighter is asurprisingly frank and gripping memoir from an unsurprisinglyeffective fraud fighter.This autobiography forms a full tapestry ofa life, displaying wit, intrigue, trepidation, regret, and finally,ultimate victory.

Leseprobe

Contents

Prologue

Part One: The Apprentice

Chapter 1: Learning the Ropes

On-the-Job Training

My Second Marriage

Fred G. Robin III

Stakeout in Midland

An Ethical Lapse

The Suicides

Robin’s Rump Roast Rip-off

On to the Big Apple

A Big Case Becomes Mine

Chapter 2: My Earliest Years

My Dysfunctional Youth

Living on Less

Not a Fashion Maven

Dirt Poor in the Land of Poor Dirt

Looking beyond High School

High School

My First Girlfriend

A Seed of Hope Grows

The Best-Looking Girl in High School

Off to the Navy

Live Wires

The Worst Kind of News

At Sea, Off Scotland

Duty Ashore in Ireland

Back to Oklahoma

Fooling Around

My First Marriage

Smart Enough

College Man

How I Came to Use Drugs and Became a Thief

The Wonderful World of Auditing

Aiming to Become a G-Man

The FBI Academy

Part Two: Journeyman

Chapter 3: Busting More Crooks in Gotham

The Payoff

Thinking Like an Accountant

Enter the Okie

Crooked Lawyer

Lies, Lies, and Damned Lies

Chapter 4: Jackson, Here I Come!

Three-Dollar Bill

Two New Relationships

Free Money

Undercover Job

Complete Trust

Laying a Trap

Running Out of Time

Yet Another Woman

Sally vs. Roxanne

Finally, a Break

Mata Hari

Complicated Relationships

Protecting My Source

Hello, I’m a Reporter . . .

Digging for Dollars

Mixed Feelings

The Third Man

Lay Down, Sally

Follow the Money

Under Oath

Flavous in the Flesh

Time to Say Goodbye

Confronting Burgin

Sally’s Secret

The Grand Jury

Meeting Judy for the First Time

Day of Reckoning

Part Three: My Own Master

Chapter 5: A New Start

The Love of My Life

Closing One Door; Opening Another

Chapter 6: Self-Directed: Wells & Associates

Something’s Wrong at the CIA

Big Publicity in a Big Town

Meeting Jim Ratley

Making Lemonade and My First Film

Getting Into Crime Prevention Education

Good Advice From Death Row

Money for Nothing

Meeting Mike Lawrence

The Litigation Pie

Dr. Donald R. Cressey

Part Four: Founding a Profession

Chapter 7: Vision of a New Breed of Fraud Fighter

The Certified Fraud Examiner

Dr. Gil Geis

Commitment to Education

Testing, Testing

The American Association of Forensic Experts

More Litigation

Expanding the Common Body of Knowledge

The Boy Wonder

Learning from Crooks

15 Minutes of Fame

A Key Player

Home of the ACFE

Moving Sideways

The First Taxonomy of Fraud

Higher Education

The Cliff Robertson Sentinel Award

The Good Life

Writing, Writing, Writing

Chapter 8: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Fear of Flying

Jim Ratley’s Hobbies

Soloing Again

Crashing, Not Burning

Adrenaline Junkie

Part Five: The Global Fight against Fraud

Chapter 9: Forging Alliances

The Law Enforcement Partnership

Old Days, New Media

Focusing on Members

Onward

Acknowledgements

Index

Photo Insert

Additional Praise for

Fraud Fighter: My Fables and Foibles

Wells’ memoir is fantastic; the crime fighting is thrilling, but also the story of Dr. Wells’ life and careers is an entertaining read as it vacillates between slightly notorious to downright legendary. Although the book is primarily a story of the motivations and achievements of one man, it has profound lessons for all—not the least of which is that crime fighters have fun and win in the end.

Sherron Watkins, who helped uncover the Enron fraud and is one of the trio of whistleblowers named Time Magazine’s 2002 Persons of the Year

Fasten your seat belt and get set for a wild ride as you take an amazing trip through the life adventures of Joseph Wells. This is a story that only he could tell. You will laugh, cry, feel immense pride, suffer through disappointment, and perhaps even engage in a bit of self-denial when you realize that the “fraudster” exists in each and every one of us. When all is said and done, my hunch is that you will be more than a little envious of Dr. Wells’ incredible life and accomplishments.

R. Frank Abel, Past President, Maryland Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Wow. Just wow. It took an enormous amount of personal integrity for Dr. Wells to put these words out there for us to see. And throughout it all, he kept his humor and grace. Fraud Fighter is, at turns, instructive, funny, and vulnerable. We are indebted to Wells for sharing so much of himself.

Janet M. McHard, President, McHard/Accounting/Consulting/LLC

It takes a larger-than-life character to bust characters who would be larger than life. Dr. Wells is one of the good guys, a character with character.

Mark Alimena, Partner, Financial Services, JH Cohn LLP

Will Rogers never met Ross Perot, yet Dr. Wells did. He also met Rudy Guliani and many other famous people. Funny and poignant, Fraud Fighter is classic Wells. Looking into himself, he finds a source of strength—he knows the window provided into his life will become a mirror, reflecting into our own.

Joel T. Bartow, Director, Program Integrity, Express Scripts

What a great story of personal strife, tragedy, triumph, and love. I saw a lot of myself in Joseph Wells and both liked and disliked what I saw. To me, his story is a testament to the frailty of life and what perseverance and dedication can accomplish regardless of our beginnings. No one is perfect; we are all human and life is filled with good and bad. But Dr. Wells’ “good” won out over the bad, and his legacy will live on in one of his greatest gifts to society—the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. A great read!

Cecil Brasher, Director of Auditing, Union Pacific Corporation

Being an educator and always looking for readings for my Principles of Fraud Examination classroom, the chance to read Dr. Wells’ autobiography was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up. From the little I knew of the man, I sensed he had led a colorful life. I had no idea the poverty he overcame—yet what he has accomplished! Fraud Fighter: My Fables and Foibles is at times hysterical, unsettling, gloomy, shocking, and illuminating, and makes you a part of the investigative team. It will now become one of my course requirements, as reading it is a great way to gain a historical perspective of both the ACFE organization and its founder.

Linda G. Chase, Associate Professor, Baldwin Wallace College

A terrific read! Joseph Wells takes us on his remarkable and adventurous life journey from childhood, the military, investigating fraud in the public and private sectors, to the beginnings and growth of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. It’s all here, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Ray Cosgrove, IBM Special Investigator (Retired)

After reading Joseph Wells’ book, I understood what a great personality he embodies. A real man and devoted husband, an FBI agent, a musician, a perceptive entrepreneur who appreciates people—not as employees but as human beings and friends—an anti-fraud motivator and creator, an excellent educator and writer; and more. All this is Joseph T. Wells. This book could be a great screenplay for a movie watched by millions.

Dr. Dimiter P. Dinev, Founder and Chairman, The Association for Counteraction to Economic Fraud

As with many publications written by Joseph Wells, his autobiography, Fraud Fighter, is entertaining but also a learning experience. He details many of his attributes in his story for many to recognize as necessary for their own success as fraud examiners: ambition, foresight, compassion, and dedication to the fight against fraud.

George P. Farragher, Managing Director, Forensic Financial Services, BBP Partners, LLP

Joseph Wells is known for his entertaining and enlightening writing and presentations. Now, through his autobiography, he continues to instruct us with compelling and poignant anecdotes of his own life experiences. His revelations teach us it is not where you begin life’s journey, but how you finish.

Elvis B. Foster, President, Elvis B. Foster, PC

Joseph Wells can be compared to Aldous Huxley as a leader of modern thought, an intellectual who explores visual communications and sight related theories—but on a different work platform: fraud fighting. As Huxley once said: “Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored.” It will be impossible for the reader to ignore the facts in Dr. Wells’ fascinating life.

Jerome R. Gardner, Dallas County Fraud Auditor

A magnificent journey of a great man’s quest for meaning, the history of his humble beginnings and his tumultuous history. Joseph Wells exposes his childhood, human failings, and professional accomplishments, including his creation of the ACFE—a gift to all who fight white-collar crime.

Grace B. Ghezzi, Vice President, Benefit Consulting Group, Inc.

Dr. Wells’ autobiography should be an inspiration to all of us that an individual—any individual—can rise above personal adversity and make a real difference in this world. Fraud Fighter: My Fables and Foibles exposes Wells’ human side in a way that resonates with the reader. This book is not just for anti-fraud professionals; it is a must read for anyone!

Michael D. Hansen, Internal Audit Manager, Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico

I idolize Dr. Wells for his work and contribution to the anti-fraud profession. Fraud Fighter is a brave undertaking, not only full of fraud fighting adventures but filled with human mistakes and failures which make the book all the more interesting. These did not change my opinion of this man; the admiration continues to grow. I thank him for sharing his story.

Beth Jaballas, Supervising Auditor, California State Compensation Insurance Fund

When I was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Accountancy, Dr. Wells was our readers’ favorite author; he is a natural-born storyteller. Whether talking about himself, his FBI days, or his fraud cases, he will make you blush, sneer, smile, or even laugh out loud. You wouldn’t expect less from a man whose life story could be Matt Damon’s next blockbuster movie.

Colleen Katz, Editor-in-Chief (retired), Journal of Accountancy

It takes incredible bravery to put your complete life story in black and white for others to read. It takes enormous talent to write that story in your own words and make it compelling. Dr. Wells has both, as readers of his autobiography will undoubtedly agree. The tale of how he became one of the world’s foremost anti-fraud experts is full of unexpected twists and turns that you just have to read for yourself.

Melissa Klein Aguilar, business journalist

The innumerable quotes, quips, case histories—even the occasional song lyrics—provide an enjoyable read by a fantastic writer into the life and accomplishments of an expectedly complex (and unexpectedly humble) Joseph T. Wells.

George Kyriakodis, Business Tax Officer, Upper Moreland Township

Dr. Wells is the most prolific author in the anti-fraud profession, and by reading this book, you’ll also learn that he is the best, by far. This awe-inspiring autobiography includes incredible tales that take the reader through a full range of emotions that will not only teach you about Wells but about life. Reading Fraud Fighter kept me up all night!

Richard White, Adjunct Professor, Utica College

This story is a true and authentic look at the life of one of the great fraud fighters. It is a rare glimpse deep into the mind of the man who created the largest anti-fraud association in the world, how he did it, and why. But it is more. Dr. Wells candidly discusses his own demons and how he fought them, and won.

Tracy L. Coenen, Forensic Accountant, Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting

Dr. Wells’ autobiography provides a unique insight into the life and experiences that shaped the man who revolutionized the anti-fraud profession. His upbringing and struggles are not unique. However, what is different is his uncanny way of dealing with adversity and the ability to take advantage of those opportunities presented to him. After reading the book, there will be no doubt in your mind that Wells is a memorable character who was surely put on this earth to do exactly what he is doing: fighting fraud.

Bert F. Lacativo, Partner, Forensic Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

This man is a master storyteller. Reading his book is like sitting with a friend over drinks. Dr. Wells may have had more to do with preventing fraud and catching fraudsters than anyone in history—and on top of that, he has had a wonderfully colorful life.

Kenneth C. McCrory, Principal and Founder, McCrory & McDowell LLC

This is not your normal rags-to-riches story. Dr. Wells gives open and honest insight into how it really does take one to know one. And once he unleashed the “fraudster” within him, the world of fraud prevention and detection was at his feet. This is an amazing tale that has it all—sex, drugs, rock & roll, and fraud!

David W. Nicastro, SVP Business Development, GlobalOptions, Inc.

Reading Fraud Fighter is a journey inside the head of a fascinating man. Dr. Wells has done a lot with his life, and is an inspiration to us. He allows us to see the duality that is inside everyone—some good and some bad—but in his case, always striving for goodness. The generosity that has always been his hallmark is played out in this literary gift. Few would have the courage to share as he has.

Marilyn B. Peterson, U.S. Government Agency

In this book, Dr. Wells makes no attempt to justify or rationalize what he may have done wrong; after all, he’s human. His story is one of a man who rose above his environment and flaws by harnessing the energy of his passion in pursuit of his vision to leave this world a better place. Few men ever achieve their noblest dreams as Wells has.

James C. Sell, James C. Sell, PC

This is the colorful life story of the colorful character who founded the world’s largest anti-fraud organization; chock full of entertaining war stories from a lifetime of slaying fraud and his own personal dragons. Only Joseph Wells could have created this intoxicating brew of sex, drugs, rock & roll, and, yes, accounting! Take a sip and you, too, will be addicted.

Michael S. Spindler, Executive Director, Litigation & Forensics, Capstone Advisory Group, LLC

As anti-fraud professionals, it is easy to fall into a trap of believing we are better people than the lying cheats we investigate. What Dr. Wells’ story does, with all his unapologetic self-revelation, is help us understand that we are not superior. We’re just people, fraudulent and flawed. The difference is somewhere along the line we made better choices and somehow managed to associate ourselves with individuals of character and vision.

Kevin Sisemore, Internal Audit Manager, University of Colorado

An inspiring reflection on the paths one travels through life and how destiny can ultimately triumph—provided one knows the importance of fraud and how it can both positively and negatively alter one’s course in life. This book is a profound portrayal of how decisions control successes and destiny. A must-read for anyone who ever thought one’s past dictates one’s future.

Peter E. Tobin, LTC U.S Army (Retired) and Audit Manager (Chief Audit Executive), Perkins Coie LLP

Joseph Wells’ reflections show us all that we are human. Reality is stranger than fiction in his hilarious account of an exciting life. The little frauds we commit each day are a faint echo of the headlines we read today. Accomplishments are measured by the individual, but readers can share vicariously in Wells’ successes.

Robert M. Torok, Managing Director, RSM McGladrey

Dr. Wells’ vision led to the birth of a new profession at precisely the time it was most needed. While it is easy to laud such an accomplished man, Wells’ book allows the reader to step inside. With candor and contriteness he opens his heart, showing not only the accomplishments and accolades, but errors, misgivings, and personal failings that make him human. By letting us see him, warts and all, Wells stands taller. By showing us his own path through the desert, he encourages us all to find our way.

Jonathan E. Turner, Managing Director, Wilson & Turner, Inc.

A racy, riveting read about the life of a man whom many consider the father of the modern-day fraud investigator. Dr. Wells had to write this book; anyone in the field of fraud prevention has to read it.

John Fisher Weber, District Attorney Investigator

Fraud investigators have become the last line of defense for the common man, as each day the newspapers scream and the Internet buzzes about another criminal enterprise that would make John Dillinger proud. Joseph Wells pioneered this new breed of superhero, and his honesty and humble frankness about his upbringing make him all the more compelling as the hero of this tale. Anyone who ever wished they could be a fly on the wall while some of the most ambitious criminal schemes in the history of mankind were created, uncovered, and eventually blown up will find this book very hard to put down.

Lori A. Wigler, Partner, Mellen, Smith & Pivoz, PLC

Joseph Wells is one of the pivotal leaders of the anti-fraud movement throughout the world. Fraud Fighter: My Fables and Foibles is insightful, energetic, and full of real-life personal nuggets that show his passion and dedication in creating and nurturing the premier anti-fraud organization.

Ron Hagenbaugh, Ronald L. Hagenbaugh, CPA

Copyright © 2011 by Joseph T. Wells. All rights reserved.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.

Published simultaneously in Canada.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Wells, Joseph T.

Fraud fighter: my fables and foibles / Joseph T. Wells.

p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN 978-0-470-61070-1 (hardback); ISBN 978-0-470-63675-6 (ebk); ISBN 978-0-470-63676-3 (ebk); ISBN 978-0-470-63677-0 (ebk)

1. Fraud—United States—Case studies. 2. Fraud investigation—United States—Case studies. 3. Wells, Joseph T. 4. Auditors—United States—Biography. I. Title.

HV6695.W43 2011

363.25’963092—dc22 [B]

2011007558

To the people who have helped make me a better person. You know who you are.

Prologue

For reasons that I don’t clearly understand, I love to write. My 19th published book is between these pages. But this is — by far — my most difficult undertaking because it is so personal. Naturally, discussing my fables was much easier than admitting to my foibles. Yes, we’re human; we have all made mistakes. However, putting them on paper to be immortalized in print brings it to a whole different level. If you don’t believe me, try it yourself.

Everyone lies. Everyone. We do so for two basic reasons: to receive rewards or to avoid punishment (or a combination of both). Although lying is not endemic to the human species, we learn it very early in life. Fraud, though, is a lie with a special twist — it is committed to deprive an innocent victim of money or property.

If you are a fraud fighter, your job is to talk to liars, cheats and thieves. As a result, honesty takes on special significance. It doesn’t mean that a fraud fighter like me hasn’t lied. But it does mean you will admit your transgressions, regret them and vow to do better the next time. A fraudster wouldn’t do that.

In the following pages, you will learn how I ended up in the anti-fraud field. And you’ll find out that — like with many of you — much of it happened by accident; by fate; perhaps by pre-destiny; and yes, by occasionally being dishonest. This is not a story of someone pure and blameless but of a man who made many mistakes along the way to his calling.

My story (like yours) has a beginning and middle, but not yet an end. To quote William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar, “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” So let it be with me. Or, to quote someone almost as famous (Popeye), “I yam what I yam.”

Joseph T. Wells

Austin, Texas

May 2011

Part One

THE APPRENTICE

Chapter 1

Learning the Ropes

Are some people born as fraud fighters? Maybe, maybe not. I wasn’t. Before finding my niche, I tried other lines of work. But I’ll begin my story at the time I entered law enforcement and started learning about fraud detection and prevention. Later, you’ll hear more about the personal and professional experiences that partly made me who I am.

Although I was born and raised in Oklahoma, I left there after high school and rarely went back. Later, through a fortuitous set of circumstances that I will describe, I ended up as a real-life, gun-toting FBI agent. In 1972, I graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. My initial assignment was to El Paso, Texas, where the FBI’s second smallest divisional office is located.