Business Email Compromise: Detection, Investigation and Prevention

Business Email Compromise (BEC) continues to be one of the most financially damaging forms of fraud targeting organizations today, exploiting weaknesses in payment processes, supplier communications, and internal approval workflows. In this practical, case-based webinar, participants will explore how attackers manipulate email systems to redirect payments, impersonate executives, and compromise vendor relationships.

Through real-world scenarios and structured investigative approaches, the session breaks down how to identify warning signs, trace fraudulent activity across email and payment systems, and respond effectively when compromise occurs. It also highlights practical prevention strategies that strengthen verification, approval controls, and organizational awareness. Participants will leave with actionable tools, checklists, and techniques that can be applied immediately in audit, finance, and fraud investigation work.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Common Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack patterns in finance and procurement
• Fraud scenarios involving suppliers, executives, and payment workflows
• Warning signs in vendor bank detail changes and urgent payment requests
• Email analysis techniques, including header and communication trail review
• Investigation steps using payment files, approval logs, and system access records
• Control breakdowns in vendor onboarding, maintenance, and payment release processes
• Payment recovery actions and escalation procedures
• Segregation of duties and approval hierarchy weaknesses
• Preventive controls including verification protocols and dual authorization
• Staff awareness, training, and fraud simulation exercises
• Audit testing approaches for identifying control gaps
• Practical checklists for fraud detection and response