Purpose of Fraud Risk Assessment:
* Fraud risk assessment aims to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the organization's exposure to fraud risks. It does not specifically provide an estimate of fraud losses.
Why D is Correct:
* Estimating fraud losses is not a standard objective of fraud risk assessments; rather, they focus on identifying and mitigating risks.
Why Other Options are Correct:
* A: Employee behavior is a critical factor in fraud risk.
* B: Fraud awareness is a key outcome of the assessment.
* C: High-risk designations indicate vulnerability, not confirmed fraud.

Indirect Costs of Fraud:
* Reputational damage is a significant indirect cost of fraud. It can lead to loss of customer trust, reduced employee morale, and long-term financial impact.
Why A is Correct:
* Quantifying reputational damage is challenging due to its intangible nature. The effects often manifest over time and are influenced by various factors, making precise calculation difficult.

* Behaviorist Theories on Reinforcement:
* Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to encourage desired behavior by providing rewards for compliance.
* Analysis of Options:
* B. Public criticism: May create resentment and decrease morale.
* C. Loss of paid time off: A punitive measure that may not motivate improvement.
* D. Demotion: Effective for extreme cases but harsh and potentially counterproductive for minor errors.
* Conclusion:Offering a bonus for perfect reconciliation aligns with behaviorist principles of positive reinforcement.

Employee background checks are considered a preventive control because they are designed to identify potentially risky hires before employment. The manual states that "background checks are a front-line preventive measure in combating fraud by screening out individuals who pose higher risk." Reference:ACFE Fraud Examiners Manual, 2020 International Edition -Fraud Prevention and Deterrence, Section 4.401.