A Course on Whistleblowing, Ethics, and Fraud Prevention

This course, featuring the documentary Silence No More, is an original CPD documentary program from CPE Studios, a Canadian production company specializing in educational documentaries for professional development. Directed by lawyer-filmmaker Garrick Apollon, this course explores the critical role of whistleblowing in detecting and preventing corporate fraud. Through real-life case study and expert discussions, participants will gain practical insights into ethical decision-making, risk management, and the professional duty to report misconduct.

Silence No More honors the bravery of two whistleblowers, Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith—paralegals who exposed the largest Social Security fraud case in U.S. history, involving a staggering $550 million.

Their journey, marked by courage and resilience, is poignantly captured as they recount the events that led to their high-profile whistleblower status. The film delves into their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the significant risks they assumed in their quest for justice.

The fraud case centers around corrupt lawyer Eric C. Conn, who orchestrated one of the largest government frauds in U.S. history from 2004 to 2016. Conn's scheme involved submitting thousands of false medical documents, prepared by bribed medical experts, to support fraudulent disability claims. These claims were unscrupulously approved by David B. Daugherty, a corrupt Social Security Administrative Law Judge in Huntington, West Virginia, who received bribes from Conn. This collusion enabled Conn to amass millions of dollars in fees from his clients and the Social Security Administration.

Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith’s actions not only exposed massive fraud but also highlighted the crucial role of employees in detecting and preventing misconduct. Their story demonstrates the real-world challenges whistleblowers face, including retaliation, professional risks, and personal hardship.

Unlock learning anytime, anywhere with the Blackboard Learn app

Seamlessly access your on demand courses, assignments, and get PD hours on the go. Learn how to download now and elevate your education experience with the convenience of mobile learning.

Other Courses from CPE Studios
 

• My Wall Street Heist: The Gary Foster Story
• Accounting For My Crime: The Nathan Mueller Story

Upon completion of this course, you will:

• Understand the professional and ethical duty to report fraud and misconduct.
• Learn how whistleblowers uncover fraud and the challenges they face.
• Apply risk management strategies to detect and prevent corporate fraud.
• Recognize behavioral red flags that may indicate fraudulent activity.
• Explore the role of CPAs in supporting whistleblower programs and fostering ethical corporate cultures.
• Learn best practices for creating and maintaining an effective whistleblower program—ensuring it is a functional and trusted reporting mechanism rather than a mere compliance requirement.
• Develop strategies to build a corporate culture that encourages transparency, ethical leadership, and employee confidence in speaking up without fear of retaliation.