Stopping Financial Fraud in Churches

Abstract

This article reports the results of a survey administered in March 2015 about financial fraud in churches, which has been and continues to be a concern academics and professionals must address. The survey results focus on concepts and techniques for preventing, detecting, and resolving church financial fraud. Two hundred (200) adults were invited to complete the survey. Sixty five percent (65%) responded providing strong support for changes such as requiring churches to apply for tax-exempt status, provide financial statements based on strong internal control systems, and use consultants (e.g., Certified Public Accountants, Certified Fraud Examiners) to help develop and implement changes.