Crystal Zuzek
Crystal Zuzek is assistant editor of Fraud Magazine. Contact her at CZuzek@ACFE.com.
Blank slates: Child identity theft is a repository for cyber criminals
Children are the perfect victims of identity theft because of their lack of credit history. Criminals can exploit a child’s identity for years until the fraud is discovered, usually when the child gets older and applies for loans, jobs or a credit card. Fraud Magazine examines the rise of the crime and methods fraudsters use to carry it out.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Scam compound operator indicted for fraud and more
In a sweeping indictment unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Chen Zhi, the 37-year-old chair of Cambodia-based Prince Holding Group, is accused of masterminding one of the largest forced labor and cryptocurrency fraud operations in modern history. Austrian ex-property tycoon René Benko has been sentenced to two years in prison. Messaging platform Discord has revealed that approximately 70,000 users may have had their official identification photos exposed following a cyberattack on a third-party age verification provider. Wendy Osefo, a sociology professor at Wesleyan University and cast member of “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” was arrested in Maryland alongside her husband, Eddie, on 16 counts of insurance fraud.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
ACFE celebrates International Fraud Awareness Week
Since 2000, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) International Fraud Awareness Week has educated organizations and individuals worldwide about the importance of fraud prevention and detection. This year, the ACFE is raising awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their organizations from occupational fraud.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
On a winning streak
Thousands of fraud examiners from around the globe flocked to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they hit the big time, gleaning deep insights and practical tools to combat fraud from an international cast of anti-fraud experts during the 35th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Investing in the fight against fraud
The ACFE Research Institute funds real-world, actionable research that’s helping professionals detect, prevent and respond to fraud more effectively.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Blaze the trail with the latest anti-fraud techniques and tools at the 36th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference
Thousands of fraud fighters will gather in-person in Nashville, Tennessee, and virtually at this year’s ACFE Global Fraud Conference in June to learn from leaders in the anti-fraud field and hear from world-class keynote speakers.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Boeing admits to fraud over 737 Max jet crashes and more
Aviation giant Boeing pleads guilty to fraud over 737 Max jet crashes, the U.S. Supreme Court hands down big decisions on bribery and corruption, and Interpol coordinates an international law enforcement operation to dismantle online scam networks.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Under pressure
Generations that grew up with the internet aren’t immune to online fraud schemes. Trust in online platforms, heavy involvement in social media and financial pressures facing Gen Z and millennials put them at greater risk of being victimized by fraudsters than older adults. Fraud Magazine explores how younger generations become victims — and perpetrators — and what fraud examiners can do to educate them about fraud.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek, Anna Brahce
Nations unite to wipe out telecom fraud centers and more
China, Myanmar and Thailand join forces to tackle telecom fraud centers operating in Myanmar; a woman in Texas pleads guilty to smuggling and distributing an unapproved, altered drug used to treat cats; the prison sentence of former Mozambique finance minister, Manuel Chang, is increased; and former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez is sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
National Public Data confirms 2.9 billion-record data breach and more
National Public Data confirms cybercriminals conducted massive data breach involving 2.9 billion records; Missouri woman is arrested for attempting to steal Graceland mansion; and Robert Telles is sentenced for the murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Beating fraudsters at their game
Fraud Magazine sat down with members of the ACFE of Board of Regents at the 36th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference, in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 2025 to discuss the current state of the anti-fraud field, the schemes they worry about the most and the skills that fraud examiners need to defeat fraudsters.
Written By: Jennifer Liebman, CFE, Crystal Zuzek
‘Scam Goddess’ uses her powerful platform to tell fraud victims’ stories
Laci Mosley, aka “Scam Goddess,” has transformed her fascination with fraud into a successful franchise that includes the binge-worthy documentary series “Scam Goddess,” a successful podcast and a book titled “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes.” Mosley sat down for an interview during the general session of the 36th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference and spoke to Fraud Magazine.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
80,000 pounds of heartbreak and more
Four women in England are victims of a romance scam; Yvette Wang, former chief of staff to accused fraudster Guo Wengui, pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering; and a mortuary worker in Arkansas pleads guilty to stealing human remains and selling them to a man she met in a Facebook group.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Investing in tomorrow’s fraud fighters
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship awards students who’ve declared a major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice or a similar fraud-related subject. The scholarship program serves as a catalyst for students, furthering their fraud examination careers by reducing financial barriers and increasing access to education.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
5 most scandalous fraud cases of 2024
Fraudsters work year-round to perpetrate their schemes. Fraud Magazine also works year-round tracking the news for those schemes we believe will live in infamy and serve as cases for anti-fraud professionals to study for years to come. Here are the most scandalous frauds of 2024.
Written By: Jennifer Liebman, CFE, Crystal Zuzek, Anna Brahce
SEC, FBI, DOJ join forces to bust crypto fraudsters and more
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), FBI and U.S. Department of Justice coordinated a large-scale takedown of fraudulent cryptocurrency firms involved in market manipulation.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
U.S. seeks to ban Huione Group for money laundering and more
U.S. seeks to ban Huione Group for money laundering. Credit Suisse confesses to tax fraud. UHG investigated for alleged Medicare fraud. Texas doctor who falsely diagnosed patients gets prison sentence.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
Thai woman accused of blackmailing monks in three-year scheme totaling $11.9 million and more
In a scandal that’s shaken Thailand’s Buddhist community, police arrested a woman known as “Ms. Golf” in July 2025 for a three-year scheme in which she allegedly blackmailed monks after having sexual relationships with them.
Written By: Crystal Zuzek
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