Final answer:
The correct answer is option d.The group most likely to perpetrate fraud against an organization are employees, also known as occupational fraud. This is due to their direct access to the company’s assets and internal systems, which can be exploited if effective control measures are not in place. Embezzlement is a common form of employee fraud.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the groups listed—customers, competitors, vendors, and employees—the category most likely to perpetrate frauds against an organization is employees. Employee fraud is often referred to as occupational fraud and includes a range of illegal actions such as embezzlement, theft of company assets, and fraudulent financial reporting. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) has consistently found that the majority of frauds in organizations are perpetrated by insiders, as they have direct access to the company's assets, information, and systems. Moreover, they may exploit weaknesses in internal controls to commit fraud. It is essential for organizations to implement rigorous control measures, monitoring, and an ethical culture to mitigate such risks.
For example, embezzlement is an act of fraud carried out by an individual in a position of trust, which is why it falls in the realm of corporate crime, and more often than not, it is conducted by employees within the company. Companies need to be vigilant about corporate crime and take steps to prevent it, which may include employee background checks, internal audits, and establishing clear ethical guidelines.