Question

Stuart, a CFE, is investigating a possible management fraud. He found an email on an employee's computer to use as evidence in the case. Under which category of evidence would an email message fall?

A. Testimonial evidence
B. Documentary evidence
C. Physical evidence
D. Personal observation

Answer 1

The email message discovered by the CFE during a fraud investigation would be classified as documentary evidence due to its nature as a digital document that can support the case.Thus the correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

An email message that Stuart, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), found on an employee's computer during an investigation of possible management fraud would fall under the category of documentary evidence. Documentary evidence includes any documents, digital or physical, that can provide support for establishing facts in an investigation or legal proceeding. In this scenario, the email can serve as a written record that, depending on its content, might show data or communications relevant to the alleged fraud. It is crucial to use evidence that is rooted in facts and can support the angle taken on the specific case, as documentary evidence tends to be especially impactful when it provides direct proof relevant to the investigation.