What is the ACFE? Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
What is the ACFE? A Guide for Fraud and Compliance Professionals
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and the premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. Headquartered in Austin, TX, the association advances the profession of fraud examination and supports a global community of members. The ACFE mission is to reduce the incidence of business fraud and white-collar crime while inspiring public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession.
Who typically joins the ACFE?
As the world’s largest anti-fraud organization, the ACFE members span internal auditors, anti-fraud professionals, compliance officers, controllers/CFOs, risk managers, investigators, lawyers, security professionals, and law enforcement. These professionals work across virtually every industry in more than 180 countries around the world. Many of these individuals hold or are actively working to earn the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential to advance their career and skills.
What Does the ACFE Do?
The ACFE serves as the global heartbeat of the anti-fraud community, providing the tools and network required to fight fraud effectively.
Training, certifications (like the CFE), and professional development
The ACFE is the accrediting body for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. This credential validates a person’s expertise across four essential pillars: fraud prevention and deterrence, financial transactions and fraud schemes, investigation techniques, and the legal elements of fraud.
To earn the CFE, anti-fraud professionals must meet strict required criteria and pass a rigorous exam. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) also delivers:
- The ACFE Global Fraud Conference: The world’s largest event for anti-fraud practitioners.
- Anti-fraud training: Both practical online and in-person education sessions.
- Fraud Magazine: A premier publication providing details on the latest business fraud trends.
- CPE Opportunities: Self-study and virtually led sessions to help professionals stay current.
Research and thought leadership on occupational fraud
Every two years, the ACFE publishes Occupational Fraud: A Report to the Nations, the world’s largest and most comprehensive study of occupational fraud. The 2024 edition analyzed 1,921 cases across 138 countries, finding that 43% of cases were detected by a tip, which is more than three times the next most common detection method.
Beyond headline statistics, the report developed by the ACFE provides industry benchmarks, time-to-detection metrics, and practical ways to prevent common control failures. Through partnerships with other professionals, the ACFE continues to advance the global understanding of how integrity impacts the bottom line.
Why the ACFE Emphasizes Whistleblower Hotlines
Hotlines as a leading method for detecting fraud
For two decades, ACFE data has been consistent: tips are the most common detection method for occupational fraud. An effective reporting channel materially reduces losses and shortens scheme duration because it surfaces concerns sooner—often from employees, but also from customers and vendors.
Importance of anonymity, accessibility, and independence
Joint benchmarking by the ACFE and The IIA highlights attributes of best-in-class hotlines: multiple channels (web, phone, email), 24/7/365 availability, anonymous reporting with two-way follow-up, strong anti-retaliation posture, clear oversight by internal audit or an audit committee, and robust awareness campaigns. Independence—often achieved through a third-party provider—is fundamental to trust, especially when allegations could implicate management.
How hotlines fit into a broader anti-fraud program
Hotlines should operate alongside governance and control activities including tone-at-the-top, fraud risk assessment, policies and training, investigations protocols, and remediation/discipline. Boards, audit committees, internal audit, risk, compliance, HR, and operations each play defined roles in prevention, detection, and deterrence.
Putting ACFE-Style Best Practices Into Action
Establishing an independent ethics and fraud hotline
Independence encourages reporting—especially when allegations involve management. A third-party hotline provides perceived neutrality, consistent intake quality, and secure, anonymous channels for employees and vendors to speak up. It also ensures standardized questioning, time-stamped records, and reliable routing to designated reviewers.
Explore Red Flag Reporting’s Ethics, Safety & Fraud Hotline service.
Using case management to document investigations and outcomes
Hotline intake is only the first step. ACFE-aligned programs maintain audit-ready case files: documented allegations, tasks, evidence, interview notes, communication history (including two-way anonymous messaging), decisions, corrective actions, and closure rationale. A secure case management system centralizes this work, supports role-based access, and streamlines reporting to internal audit and the audit committee.
Learn more: What is a case management system?
Training employees on how and when to report concerns
Provide regular training and communications explaining what to report, how to report (web/phone/QR/email), confidentiality vs. anonymity, and anti-retaliation commitments—then reinforce through posters, wallet cards, onboarding modules, and periodic reminders. Use anonymized case examples and leadership messaging to normalize speaking up.
Practical guide: 4 keys to revving up hotline adoption
How Red Flag Reporting Supports ACFE-Inspired Programs
24/7/365 independent ethics and fraud hotline
Red Flag Reporting operates an independent hotline with live operators 24/7/365, a mobile-first web portal, and multilingual reporting (100+ languages online; 200+ by phone). We also provide ready-made communications like posters, wallet cards, and training webinars so awareness stays high throughout the year.
See: Employee Ethics & Whistleblower Hotline Services | RFR Home
Secure, audit-ready case management system
The RFR platform supports logic-based intake, evidence uploads, two-way anonymous messaging, role-based access, analytics, and trend reporting—features that help internal audit document investigations and demonstrate program effectiveness.
Evaluator resources: 6 Keys to Picking the Right Hotline Case Management System
Simple implementation and support for internal audits/audit committees
RFR’s three-step implementation streamlines rollout. Our benefits resources emphasize employee protection, cultural health, and bottom-line impact—key outcomes valued by audit committees and boards. We’re designed to give you an affirmative defense by demonstrating a thoughtful, documented approach to ethics and safety.
Benefits: Protect Employees | Benefits Overview
The Power of a Reporting Culture
In today’s evolving risk landscape, the ACFE continues to shape how organizations understand, detect, and prevent fraud. Its research is unequivocal: effective reporting mechanisms—especially independent, anonymous hotlines—remain the most powerful tool for uncovering misconduct early and protecting both people and assets. By aligning your reporting structure with ACFE-style best practices, you strengthen internal controls, reinforce trust, and demonstrate a real commitment to ethical culture.
Advance Your Reporting Program with Red Flag Reporting
Ready to align your reporting program with ACFE-style best practices? Connect with Red Flag Reporting for a no-pressure conversation about your hotline and case management needs.
Get in touch: Contact Red Flag Reporting
Quick glossary
ACFE meaning
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, a global professional body dedicated to reducing fraud and supporting anti-fraud practitioners. Learn more at www.acfe.com .
ACFE fraud examiners
Professionals—often CFEs—who investigate, detect, deter, and help prevent occupational fraud and related misconduct.
Checklist—5 Ways to Make Your Hotline ACFE-Aligned
- Offer multiple channels (phone, web, email) and 24/7 access.
- Allow anonymous reporting and clearly communicate anti-retaliation protections.
- Use an independent provider to enhance trust and neutrality.
- Implement secure case management with audit-ready documentation and analytics.
- Train and remind employees so they know how and when to report.