HBR IdeaCast

A Forensic Accountant on How Companies Can Avoid Fraud and Scandal

Apr 4, 2023
Kelly Richmond Pope, a DePaul University professor and author of "Fool Me Once," dives into the world of corporate fraud. She highlights that fraudsters aren't always the villains we imagine; many are caught in morally gray situations. The conversation reveals the various types of perpetrators, including accidental and righteous ones, and discusses warning signs of unethical behavior in organizations. Pope emphasizes the vital role of voicing concerns and encourages employees to remain vigilant about financial irregularities and ethical challenges.
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ANECDOTE

Neighbor's Crime

  • Kelly Richmond Pope's neighbor, a seemingly successful banking executive, disappeared.
  • He was later convicted of a white-collar crime, sparking her interest in the topic.
ANECDOTE

Colleague's Fraud

  • Pope recounts another instance where a colleague, a seemingly good guy, was involved in mortgage fraud.
  • This highlights how fraud can be committed by unexpected individuals.
INSIGHT

Perpetrator Profiles

  • Not all fraudsters are like Madoff or Enron figures; there are intentional, accidental, and righteous perpetrators.
  • These different profiles affect empathy, sentencing, and reintegration.
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