Pseudoscientific Practices in Fraud Investigations: A Case Study

This case study addresses claims about nonverbal behaviors promoted, until relatively recently, by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), an anti-fraud training organization representing over 90,000 practitioners globally. We assess whether those claims are (in)consistent with research findings, examine the potential adverse consequences of quietly moving away from pseudoscientific practices, propose strategies for how organizations should address individuals they previously trained with unfounded and debunked claims, and how to stay up to date with best practices in the future. We conclude by encouraging organizations to remain vigilant in seeking evidence of the effectiveness of their current practices and to apply critical thinking when adopting new training and programs.