ACFE Updated CFE-Law Exam Questions and Answers by agatha

The correct answer is B. False. The CFE Manual clearly distinguishes tax evasion from tax avoidance. It explains that tax evasion refers to fraudulent or illegal actions taken to avoid reporting or paying taxes. By contrast, tax avoidance is a legal means of lowering one’s tax bill through legitimate deductions, credits, and shelters. Therefore, if Mary is using lawful deductions and credits to reduce her taxes, she is not committing tax evasion; she is engaging in tax avoidance.

The Manual emphasizes that the major difference between the two concepts is legality and intent. Tax evasion involves wrongful conduct, false reporting, concealment, or intentional misrepresentation. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, involves using lawful provisions of tax rules to reduce liability. The Manual also notes that a person accused of tax crimes may defend themselves by arguing that they were engaged in avoidance, not evasion, when they used legitimate deductions, credits, or shelters.

Because the question specifically says Mary used legal means and legitimate deductions and credits, her conduct falls squarely within the concept of tax avoidance, not evasion. Therefore, the statement is false, and B is the correct answer.

This question tests your knowledge of Domain 10.

In the context of Basic Principles of Evidence, specifically relating to privilege, the question asks about the core concepts in this area.

The correct answer is C: Fidelity insurance.

This question tests knowledge of evidence principles. The correct answer correctly distinguishes between types of evidence, admissibility requirements, or evidentiary privileges. Proper handling of evidence is crucial for successful fraud investigations and prosecutions.

This question tests your knowledge of Domain 7.

In the context of Individual Rights During Examinations, specifically relating to employee, the question asks about the core concepts in this area.

The correct answer is A: Fidelity.

This question relates to individual rights during examinations. The correct answer accurately describes the legal protections, obligations, or privacy considerations that apply in workplace investigations. Fraud examiners must balance investigative needs with legal protections for individuals.

According to the ACFE Fraud Examiners Manual, Law Section, under The Criminal Justice System and The Law Related to Fraud , obstruction of justice occurs when a person corruptly interferes with the administration of law or the proper functioning of the judicial process. This includes attempting to improperly influence, intimidate, or tamper with witnesses in a pending proceeding.

Offering money to witnesses in exchange for changing their testimony constitutes witness tampering, which is a classic form of obstruction of justice. The essence of obstruction is not merely the success of the interference but the corrupt attempt to impede the due administration of justice. The legal system depends on truthful testimony, and any effort to alter or influence witness statements through bribery undermines the integrity of judicial proceedings.

“Conspiracy to influence the court” is not a standard standalone criminal charge in this context, and fraudulent misrepresentation typically relates to deception for financial or property gain, not interference with judicial proceedings. Judicial extortion involves coercion under color of official authority, which does not apply here.

Therefore, Monique’s conduct—offering payment to alter testimony—would most likely result in additional charges for obstruction of justice because she is attempting to corruptly interfere with the criminal trial process.