Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From the ACFE Fraud Examiners Manual Why the correct answer is Human Intelligence The ACFE Fraud Examiners Manual, in the section on fraud examination tools and intelligence gathering, discusses methods of obtaining information from individuals. One of the recognized methods is Human Intelligence (HUMINT).
The Manual explains that human intelligence gathering involves:
Collecting information directly from people-often through conversation, elicitation, or interviews- sometimes while using a pretext to encourage the target to disclose information.
In this scenario:
* Georgina poses as a customer (a pretext),
* Contacts an employee of ERO Corp., and
* Elicits sensitive information directly from that individual.
This aligns perfectly with the definition of human intelligence gathering-information obtained directly from human sources, often under false pretenses.
Why the other options are incorrect
B). Scavenging - Incorrect
The Manual describes scavenging as:
Obtaining information by searching for discarded documents or materials, such as in trash or recycling bins.
Georgina is not going through discarded materials; she is speaking directly with an employee.
C). Baiting - Incorrect
Baiting typically refers to:
Enticing someone with something of value to trick them into taking an action, often involving malware- infected media or fraudulent offers.
Georgina is not offering anything or luring the employee with incentives.
D). Open-source intelligence - Incorrect
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) refers to gathering information from:
Publicly available sources such as websites, publications, databases, or social media.
Georgina is not using public sources; she is actively eliciting confidential information from a person under false pretenses.
ACFE Manual References
The concepts used in this answer derive from the Fraud Examiners Manual (2020 International Edition), including:
* Human intelligence and data collection techniques
* Scavenging as an investigative method
* Baiting schemes
* Open-source intelligence descriptions