Kelly J. Todd, managing member and member in charge of forensic investigations, discusses how FSS uses advanced data analytics to ferret out the truth in fraud investigations via data visualization. Kelly explains how electronic evidence and data can be leveraged in forensic investigations, from verifying or challenging a plaintiff’s testimony to identifying trends and patterns in data. Kelly shares how the firm used these techniques to help uncover a multimillion dollar fraud scheme within a school system.
Kelly J. Todd
Managing Member
Kelly J. Todd is a managing member and the member in charge of forensic investigations at Forensic Strategic Solutions. Ms. Todd has a broad range of forensic experience including financial and white‐collar investigations, fraudulent financial reporting, accounting malpractice, and the calculation of economic damages.
False Claims Investigation
When a whistleblower sounded the alarm on their employer that had allegedly violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and submitted false claims to the government, FSS was hired by the whistleblower’s attorneys to pinpoint evidence and determine the value of any identified claims.
READ FULL CASE STUDYComputer Forensics
FSS was hired by the Board of Directors of a regional company to assist with an internal investigation amid questions of unexplained declines in cash flows and the lack of timely financial reporting.
READ FULL CASE STUDYThe Power of Advanced Data Analytics | Lindsay H. Gill
Lindsay H. Gill, director of forensic technology, explains the benefits advanced data analytics bring to financial investigations Advanced data analytics can provide unparalleled insights when attorneys enlist forensic investigators, helping to ensure vital information does not go undetected.
WATCH VIDEOAnalyzing the Variety of Data | Lindsay H. Gill
Lindsay H. Gill, director of forensic technology, discusses the differences between structured data – or “traditional” data – and unstructured data, which investigators use to help fill the holes or see the bigger picture within a case. Lindsay also explains how forensic investigators should use and compare structured and unstructured data.
WATCH VIDEOSpeech, Voice and Body Language as a Lie Detector | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly J. Todd, managing member and member in charge of forensic investigations, discusses how investigators can use vocal tone and body language as a lie detector. Kelly also outlines how statement analysis can help an investigator understand the meaning behind the words, and highlights body language red flags to look for in an interview.
WATCH VIDEODetecting Deception: Determining the Baseline | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly J. Todd, managing member and member in charge of forensic investigations, explains that everyone has a “norm”– a basic pattern of behavior that they exhibit under normal amounts of stress, which is also known as their baseline. In this video, Kelly outlines the steps to take to determine the baseline during an interview. She […]
WATCH VIDEOMyths in Detecting Deception | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly J. Todd, managing member and member in charge of forensic investigations, discusses common myths in detecting deception. Contrary to popular belief, detecting deception can be a challenge, as people tend to focus on the wrong signals. Kelly explains misconceptions about the behaviors and body language of someone who is lying, and how to increase […]
WATCH VIDEOCausation in an Active Passive Analysis | Bill Dameworth
William C. Dameworth, managing member and member in charge of valuation services, discusses various components of an active passive analysis, and the jurisdictional differences that can exist. In this video, Bill focuses on a common theme that runs throughout active passive analyses – causation. He also discusses the allocation of appreciation between the various factors […]
WATCH VIDEOTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Effects on Alimony Litigation | Kelly Schmid
Kelly Schmid, director of valuation services, examines how divorces executed after December 31, 2018 will be affected by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Kelly discusses the numerous ways that the Act will affect how alimony is negotiated, as well its possible impact on prior divorce agreements, which should be revisited.
WATCH VIDEOTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Effects on Business Valuations | Kelly Schmid
Kelly Schmid, director of valuation services, explores how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 might affect businesses valuations. Kelly explains the importance of business appraisers proactively discussing with management the expected utilization of enhanced cash flows from tax savings. Kelly also discusses the need for business appraisers to consider using longer-term discounted cash […]
WATCH VIDEOUsing Data to Tell a Story & Find the Answers | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly J. Todd, managing member and member in charge of forensic investigations, discusses how FSS uses advanced data analytics to ferret out the truth in fraud investigations via data visualization. Kelly explains how electronic evidence and data can be leveraged in forensic investigations, from verifying or challenging a plaintiff’s testimony to identifying trends and patterns […]
WATCH VIDEOLeveraging Technology in Auditing | Ralph Q. Summerford
Ralph Q. Summerford, president, discusses technology’s presence in the world of forensic accounting, focusing on the old – data mining – and the new – artificial intelligence and digital currency, such as bitcoin. He explains how FSS has extensive experience in leveraging these technologies to take their work to the next level, and stresses the […]
WATCH VIDEOThe Benefits of Technology in Auditing | Ralph Q. Summerford
Ralph Q. Summerford, president, examines the benefits data mining and artificial intelligence provide to auditors. Ralph discusses the differences between these technologies, and how they help auditors spot trends and unusual transactions. While auditors are beginning to introduce data mining and artificial intelligence into their processes, Ralph stresses that these technologies do not allow auditors […]
WATCH VIDEOAccounting Malpractice Lawsuits: The Importance of CPAs Seeking Outside Counsel | Ralph Q. Summerford
Ralph Summerford, president of Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses the importance and benefits of CPAs hiring outside counsel if they are at the center of an accounting malpractice case. He also discusses confusion that CPAs often have surrounding accounting malpractice insurance.
WATCH VIDEOAccounting Malpractice Lawsuits: The Value a CFE Brings to Attorneys | Ralph Q. Summerford
Ralph Summerford, president of Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses the critical value a certified public accountant (CPA) who is also a certified fraud examiner (CFE) can add to an accounting malpractice case for attorneys, whether the attorney is prosecuting or defending an accountant. One of the greatest values a CFE can add is their ability to translate […]
WATCH VIDEODepreciation & Capital Expenditures – Business Valuations | Kelly Schmid
Kelly Schmid, director of valuation services at Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses the process of estimating depreciation expenses and capital expenditures in a cash flow forecast. She also examines how an incorrect estimate can impact a business valuation.
WATCH VIDEOWhat Are Capital Expenditures & How Do They Depreciate? | Kelly Schmid
Kelly Schmid, director of valuation services at Forensic Strategic Solutions, explains what capital expenditures are (also known as fixed assets). She also discusses the replacement and depreciation of capital expenditures, as well as the common misconception that depreciation and capital expenditures should always be equal in a normalized cash flow forecast.
WATCH VIDEOConflicts of Interest: Educational Tools for Employers | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly Todd, managing member at Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses how conflicts of interest can arise in the workplace and challenges associated with conflicts of interests that employers often face. She also discusses educating employees on conflicts and how to detect conflicts.
WATCH VIDEOThe Common Denominator of Corruption: Conflicts of Interest | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly Todd, managing member at Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses the close relationship between conflicts of interest and corruption. She also discusses preventative measures that can be taken to minimize opportunities for conflicts of interest to morph into corruption.
WATCH VIDEOActive/Passive Appreciation in Divorce Litigation: Part Two | William C. Dameworth
WATCH VIDEOActive/Passive Appreciation in Divorce Litigation: Part One | William C. Dameworth
WATCH VIDEOLeveraging Social Media in Fraud Investigations – II | Lindsay H. Gill
Lindsay Gill, director of forensic technology at Forensic Strategic Solutions, shares insight into the benefits associated with attorneys hiring forensic investigators to uncover evidence on suspects’ social media accounts. She also discusses how to authenticate the evidence gathered and the methods to do so.
WATCH VIDEOLeveraging Social Media in Fraud Investigations – I | Lindsay H. Gill
Lindsay Gill, director of forensic technology at Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses social media and its role as a helpful tool to uncover fraudulent electronic evidence in an investigation. She also describes best practices for forensic investigators to collect, analyze and interpret findings to connect the dots.
WATCH VIDEOWhat to do When You Suspect Fraud at Your Organization – II | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly Todd, member in charge of forensic investigations, discusses how to handle the alleged perpetrator, including notifying the perpetrator, conducting an admission-seeking interview and restricting the wrongdoing employee from company access. She also notes the importance of notifying your insurer when you think you might have fraud occurring in your organization.
WATCH VIDEOWhat to do When You Suspect Fraud at Your Organization – I | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly Todd, member in charge of forensic investigations, discusses the prevalence of fraud in businesses and actions one should take when they suspect fraud in their organization, including assembling a team for the fraud investigation and securing potential evidence.
WATCH VIDEOAccounting Malpractice: When CPAs Miss the Fraud | Leslie P. Littrell
Leslie Littrell, forensic analyst at Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses accounting malpractice and the recent increase in claims as well as the importance of fraud education. Ms. Parker cites FSS’ work with Auburn University to develop its forensic accounting courses within its Master of Accountancy program as an effort to help expand the knowledge of fraud […]
WATCH VIDEOData Analytics with a Focus on Technology | Lindsay H. Gill
Lindsay Gill, director of technology at Forensic Strategic Solutions, reviews the key areas in which technology has changed the landscape of fraud investigation and how data continues to become a growing risk for businesses.
WATCH VIDEOBusiness Valuation for Private Companies | William C. Dameworth
Bill Dameworth, member in charge of valuation services at Forensic Strategic Solutions, discusses the differences between the valuation of privately-held and publicly-held companies and those focused on profit maximization versus tax minimization.
WATCH VIDEOEmployee Fraud Awareness Training | Kelly J. Todd
Kelly Todd, member in charge of forensic investigations, gives fraud prevention tips aligning with the ACFE 2014 Report to the Nations research describing employee fraud awareness training as an extremely effective way to reinforce fraud policies, encourage anonymous tips from whistleblowers and establish compliance.
WATCH VIDEOFraud in Charitable Non-Profit Organizations | Ralph Q. Summerford
Ralph Summerford, president of Forensic Strategic Solutions, cites recent New York Times statistics to help reveal some reasons for the high frequency of fraud in non-profits, including high turnover, poor management and lack of tax audit enforcement. All of these issues make it increasingly difficult for the IRS and law enforcement to uncover and prosecute […]
WATCH VIDEOFinancial Fraud Investigations: Why an Employee’s Vacation is a Great Time to Detect Fraud | Lindsay H. Gill
Time off isn’t just a necessity to help employees recover and regroup, it’s also an opportunity for an organization to measure its efficiency and to uncover vulnerabilities it may face from fraud, waste, and abuse. Here are just a few of the ways an organization can leverage its vacation and time-off policies to help detect […]
READ FULL BLOGIn a Financial Fraud Investigation, It Pays to Follow the Digital Footprint | Lindsay H. Gill
Fraudsters often believe they have covered their tracks so well that their activity is untraceable, but they are increasingly running into a significant obstacle when attempting to hide their crimes: Their digital footprint. During the last decade, people have integrated digital tools into their personal and business lives at an astonishing rate. Since 2010, for […]
READ FULL BLOGWhat Beneficiaries Can Do to Help Spot Fraud in a Trust or Estate | Lindsay H. Gill
It’s an all-too frequent concern for people who are no longer managing their own finances: Are they being taken advantage of by a trustee, executor, or attorney-in-fact—and what can they do to spot and prevent such activity? At Forensic Strategic Solutions, we are often approached by beneficiaries or their loved ones to investigate possible trust […]
READ FULL BLOGEight Tips for Detecting Fraud in Accounts Payable | Lindsay H. Gill
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners 2018 Report to the Nations, fraudulent disbursement schemes remain the costliest form of asset misappropriation fraud to threaten small businesses. Although this risk can seem overwhelming, it may be avoidable through taking proactive steps against fraud within your company. Here are eight tips to help you expose […]
READ FULL BLOGThe Power (and Variety) of Data in Forensic Investigations | Lindsay H. Gill
Time and time again, we trumpet the incredible value of advanced data analytics in forensic investigations – often, it is the key to finding the needle in the haystack. Fortunately, our firm remains at the forefront of utilizing data to identify unexpected patterns when investigating financial fraud – that red flag that tells us something isn’t as it should be – whether for a qui tam case involving kickback schemes or a case of underreported revenue.
READ FULL BLOGQuickbooks Audit Trail: Fraudulent Behavior Detection | Lindsay H. Gill
The QuickBooks Audit Trail (or Audit Log, depending on the version) provides a log of each accounting transaction and denotes any additions, deletions or modifications affecting the integrity of the transaction. The tool captures every transaction from the time it is initially entered into QuickBooks, and tracks changes to the original entry, including transaction type, date, account, vendor/customer name, transaction amount, quantity, and price. The Audit Trail also reveals the User ID under which the entry, deletion or modification was made. The Audit Trail is a report built in the QuickBooks ReportCenter– all you have to do is click a button to generate the report.
READ FULL BLOGSocial Media Evidence: Where to Look and Protocols to Follow | Lindsay H. Gill
As a digital technology expert, it is fascinating to observe how today’s technology-centric world obsesses over anything and everything digital – especially social media. From sharing locations on Instagram and Facebook to live tweeting events, people constantly update their friends – and strangers, if their account is public – on their every movement. Social media […]
READ FULL BLOGThe Digital Footprint: Where to Look | Lindsay H. Gill
The world of technology offers the opportunity for fraud experts to trace the “untraceable.” With technology becoming more popular and present in our lives by the day, people are conducting their lives more digitally, whether through email, texting, social media or Internet browsing. Collecting, analyzing and interpreting the electronic evidence of fraudulent activity is becoming more widespread in the fraud examination world, and will most likely soon become the standard.
READ FULL BLOGTechnology Talk: Active Data for Excel | Lindsay H. Gill
We all recognize budget is a constant concern for auditors and investigators. Oftentimes our technology budgets are just too tight. We find ourselves looking for powerful tools to add to our toolbox that do not break the bank. One of these tools is Active Data for Excel.
READ FULL BLOGTechnology Talk: Excel Shortcuts | Lindsay H. Gill
I was recently surprised to learn at a team meeting that my peers were not as familiar with the many Excel shortcuts that I apparently take for granted. Urged by our team to share more, I decided I should share a few of the more frequently used Excel shortcuts with you:
READ FULL BLOGB.Y.O.D. | Lindsay H. Gill
“Bring your own device,” or “B.Y.O.D,” is a concept that an increasing number of companies are implementing. B.Y.O.D allows employees to use their personally-owned devices in the work place. These devices can range from laptops and tablets to cell phones and flash drives. While B.Y.O.D may be a good plan in theory – employees can work with devices they are comfortable using – It is important for employers to thoroughly consider the implications and potential pitfalls before implementing a B.Y.O.D policy. Consider, for example, the following key areas regarding the security of corporate information and infrastructure:
READ FULL BLOGSocial Media in Fraud Investigations | Lindsay H. Gill
There’s no denying it: social media has changed the way we interact with each other. People are tweeting live from events, “checking in” on Facebook, posting pictures to Instagram and commenting on, liking or sharing just about everything. The amount of personal information that social media users willingly put “out there” is staggering.
READ FULL BLOG