Fraud can severely damage a business not just financially, but also in terms of trust, reputation, and legal standing. With the growing complexity of operations and reliance on digital transactions, organizations must proactively detect and manage fraud risks before they spiral out of control.
Fraud Risk Assessment (FRA) involves identifying areas of vulnerability, assessing potential schemes (internal or external), and evaluating controls in place. We help organizations map the fraud landscape across departments, roles, and systems highlighting red flags and weaknesses.
Our team uses a blend of data analytics, control testing, interviews, and forensic techniques. We focus on key fraud risks like payroll fraud, procurement manipulation, financial statement fraud, cash misappropriation, fake vendors, and more. We also align our approach with COSO and ACFE frameworks for global consistency.
When a suspected fraud is identified, we conduct discreet, evidence-backed investigations. This may include forensic reviews of transactions, emails, system logs, CCTV footage, and staff interviews. Our findings can be used in internal disciplinary actions or legal proceedings.
We don’t just stop at uncovering fraud we help redesign controls to prevent it. This includes setting up whistleblower mechanisms, segregation of duties (SoD), approval workflows, anomaly detection systems, and real-time alerts that act as fraud deterrents.
All our fraud assessments and investigations are conducted with the utmost confidentiality, professionalism, and sensitivity. We ensure management is kept informed while protecting the identities of whistleblowers and avoiding disruption to business operations.
Fraud Vulnerability Mapping & Controls Testing
Vendor & Procurement Fraud Risk Review
Financial Misstatement & Accounting Irregularities Review
Employee Interviews & Behavioral Red Flag Detection
Data Analytics & Journal Entry Testing
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all auditing. At Pawan Lohia & Associates, every Risk-Based Internal Audit begins with an in-depth understanding of your business model, industry dynamics, and regulatory exposure. Our team collaborates closely with your internal stakeholders to prioritize risk areas, define scope, and execute detailed audits with a strategic lens.
Fraud risk assessment is crucial because it helps identify areas where your business may be vulnerable to fraud—whether internal or external. By evaluating your controls and processes, it becomes easier to strengthen weak spots, prevent future losses, and build a culture of integrity within the organization.
Some common indicators include unusual financial transactions, discrepancies in books, missing documentation, employee lifestyle changes, supplier irregularities, or frequent override of internal controls. If any of these signs appear, a professional fraud risk review is strongly recommended.
It usually starts with an allegation, red flag, or suspicion raised by internal teams or auditors. Our team begins with a discreet, fact-finding phase gathering relevant data, interviewing stakeholders, and analyzing financial patterns to determine whether fraud may have occurred.
We cover a wide range including employee fraud, vendor fraud, procurement fraud, payroll fraud, financial statement manipulation, misappropriation of assets, cyber fraud, and more. We tailor our approach based on your industry and the type of suspected fraud.
That depends on the scope. Most of our investigations are discreet to prevent tipping off potential suspects. However, senior management is kept informed, and we involve only necessary personnel to maintain confidentiality and preserve evidence.