The Fraud Triangle: Understanding Fraud Risk

CPA Management Accounting · 3:53

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
In the shadows of the ledger books
Where numbers tell their tale
Three forces come together now
To make integrity fail
First there's opportunity knocking
When controls are weak or gone
Internal systems breaking down
Leave the door wide open

[Chorus]
It's the triangle of fraud we fear
O-P-R, make it clear
Opportunity opens the door
Pressure pushes you to want more
Rationalization makes it seem right
Three sides burning bright
When they meet, the risk is here
O-P-R, crystal clear

[Verse 2]
Financial pressure weighs you down
Bills are piling high
Personal problems, gambling debts
Make honest people lie
Work pressure from the boss above
Unrealistic goals to meet
When targets seem impossible
Temptation takes the lead

[Chorus]
It's the triangle of fraud we fear
O-P-R, make it clear
Opportunity opens the door
Pressure pushes you to want more
Rationalization makes it seem right
Three sides burning bright
When they meet, the risk is here
O-P-R, crystal clear

[Verse 3]
The mind plays tricks to justify
"I'm borrowing, not stealing"
"The company owes me anyway"
"It's just to help my healing"
"Everyone else is doing it"
"I'll pay it back next week"
When conscience finds excuses
The triangle's complete

[Bridge]
Break one side, the triangle falls
Strong controls, ethical walls
Segregation of duties clear
Management oversight near
Culture matters, tone at top
Make the fraud triangle stop

[Chorus]
It's the triangle of fraud we fear
O-P-R, make it clear
Opportunity opens the door
Pressure pushes you to want more
Rationalization makes it seem right
Three sides burning bright
When they meet, the risk is here
O-P-R, crystal clear

[Outro]
Three elements intertwined
In every auditor's mind
Watch for where they intersect
That's where fraud you should expect

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