Posts

Tax Evasion Tactics and How to Uncover Them

by Linda Athanasiadou, Anti-Fraud Specialist, and Researcher, Regulatory Compliance and AML Expert Tax evasion tactics pose a significant challenge to tax authorities and compliance professionals, as perpetrators continuously devise sophisticated methods to conceal income, evade taxes, and exploit loopholes in tax laws. Uncovering these tactics requires a comprehensive understanding of tax regulations, investigative techniques, and forensic accounting principles. By leveraging advanced tools, technologies, and analytical approaches, tax authorities and compliance professionals can effectively detect and deter tax evasion. Here are common tax evasion tactics and strategies to uncover them: 1. Underreporting Income Tactic: Taxpayers may deliberately underreport income from various sources, including wages, investments, self-employment, and business activities, to lower their tax liability. Detection Strategy: Conduct thorough reviews of financial records, bank statements, income statemen

Affinity Fraud: Understanding and Combating a Subtle Threat

By Linda Athanasiadou, Regulatory Compliance and AML Expert In the complex world of financial crimes, affinity fraud stands out as a particularly insidious threat. It preys on trust and common bonds, making it a difficult scam to detect and even harder to confront. As a seasoned expert in regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering (AML), I delve into the nuances of affinity fraud, offering insights into its mechanisms, impact, and strategies for prevention. The Mechanics of Affinity Fraud Affinity fraud operates by exploiting the trust within groups that share common interests or identities. These groups can be religious, ethnic, professional, or even hobby-based. Fraudsters either infiltrate these groups or emerge from within them, leveraging shared bonds to create an illusion of safety and reliability. One notable example of affinity fraud in recent times involved an investment scam targeting a specific religious community. The scammer, a member of the community, promised high r
Image
  Top 10 Compliance Risks in 2023 By Linda Athanasiadou, Regulatory Compliance and AML Expert Introduction: The Evolving Compliance Landscape in 2023 As we move through 2023, the compliance landscape continues to evolve rapidly, posing new challenges for businesses across all sectors. With my extensive experience in regulatory compliance and risk management, I have identified key compliance risks that organizations should prioritize this year. This article delves into these risks, offering expert insights and recommendations for effective risk management strategies. 1. Data Privacy and Protection With the increasing digitization of business operations, data privacy and protection remain paramount. Regulations like GDPR and CCPA mandate stringent data handling practices. Businesses must ensure robust data protection measures to prevent breaches and comply with evolving data privacy laws. 2. Cybersecurity Threats Cybersecurity risks are escalating, with sophisticated cyber-attacks posing