Title: It Didn't Start As Fraud - How Ordinary Decisions Cross The Line

Learning Objectives:

In this session, attendees will:

• Explore why fraud is rarely black and white, and how ethical gray areas emerge in real-world business decisions
• Understand the psychological drivers that cause ordinary professionals to rationalize unethical behavior
• Identify how small decisions escalate into significant fraud through normalization and incremental risk-taking
• Recognize behavioral red flags that often precede fraudulent conduct
• Discuss real-world case studies to examine where intent, pressure, and accountability intersect

What to expect:

This session will be focused on the human side of fraud rather than technical mechanics. Attendees should expect practical insights, real-world examples, and thought-provoking scenarios that challenge traditional assumptions about how fraud begins.

Presenter:

Kay Badenhuizen has 3 years of experience in fraud investigations, forensic accounting and commercial damages. Kay has supported expert witness testimony and reports throughout her career, assessing lost profits and damages, providing financial analyses, evaluating fraud-related activity, and investigating target individuals/entities. Kay achieved her CFE in February of 2025 and currently works as a Senior Associate Consultant in the Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages department for HKA in Phoenix, Arizona.