FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES DETECTION AND PREVENTION IN FIDUCIARY ACCOUNTING
Abstract: Detecting and preventing fraudulent activities are critical functions of fiduciary accounting, ensuring the protection of clients' assets. This study aims to (1) explore the techniques used by fiduciary accountants to detect and prevent fraud, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques, and (3) identify areas for improvement in fraud prevention strategies. A survey research design was selected to gather comprehensive data from fiduciary accountants on their anti-fraud practices. The sample size, calculated using Taro Yamane’s formula, consists of 200 fiduciary accountants, ensuring a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The case study focuses on a financial services firm in Abuja, known for its robust fraud prevention measures. The reliability coefficient score for the survey was 0.91, indicating excellent reliability. Findings indicate that while current fraud detection techniques are effective, there is a need for continuous innovation to stay ahead of sophisticated fraudulent schemes. The study recommends that fiduciary accounting firms integrate advanced analytics and artificial intelligence into their fraud prevention frameworks and provide ongoing training to their staff.