Fraud Triangle Theory: Calling for New Factors

Abstract

The famous financial scandal of Enron, WorldCom and 1 Malaysia Development Berhad has harmed the auditor’s reputation as the protector of shareholders’ rights. Auditors have done their part by conducting systematic audit procedures and “What Could Go Wrong” analysis in assessing the possible risk area to assist fraud detection in the client’s financial matters. However, fraud cases never seem to decline. Regardless of any safeguarding measures established, fraud incidents can just occur and be worsened by economic downturn and prolonged inflation especially after the pandemic ends. Additionally, the characteristic of the modern business environment, technology sophistication and new generation traits had challenged Cressey Fraud Triangle Theory on its validity and relevancy. Therefore, associating all these possible challenges into consideration, this study aims to review prior literature related to the evolution of Cressey fraud theory to propose a new insight in considering relevant motivation factors that drive fraud penetrations. From the review, the study discovered the need for a detailed evaluation and research on the essential fraud element in constructing an all-rounded fraud prevention mechanism.