With financial fraud and investigation scandals flooding news stations, we thought we’d share reads on the most significant financial schemes in today’s world. From the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme to the downturn of the mortgage industry, CourthouseDirect.com has the reviews on the must-reads for your fraud and investigation interests.
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis is the bestselling author of financial works, one of the most popular being The Big Short, an accurate account of the U.S. stock market crash of 2008 and how it happened. The book also details the inner-workings of those involved in major hedge funds, short sellers and investment bankers, and how they bet on the downturn of the mortgage industry.
No One Would Listen by Harry Markopolos
The Bernie Madoff scandal was the shot heard 'round the world in the financial industry. His $65 billion ponzi scheme finally came to an end in December 2008, but there was one man who tried to put an end to his heinous acts long before. Enter, Harry Markopolos. He attempted to warn the SEC about Madoff’s fraudulent system and penned a compelling account of what he discovered in his investigation before Madoff's arrest. With changes in regulatory and enforcement with the SEC, made because of the Bernie Madoff scandal, this book offers incredible details on one of the most significant fraud cases in history.
Circle of Greed by Patrick Dillon and Carl M. Cannon
Do you know who Bill Lerach is? If not, you should. With great detail and critical insights, Circle of Greed chronicles Lerach's rise and disbarment as a prominent lawyer specializing in private securities class action lawsuits. Lerach obtained $7.12 billion as the lead plaintiff's attorney in the case against Enron, which is currently the largest sum ever recovered in a group of securities class-action lawsuits in U.S. history. His fall from grace came in 2007 when Lerach pled guilty to obstruction of justice. Sentenced to two years in prison, he was ultimately disbarred from practicing law in California in 2009.
Private Investigator Entry Level (02E): An Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations by Philip Becnel
We came across a fascinating instructional guide in the financial world and can't recommend it more. Ethics, research, fraud investigations, evidence and interviewing are principles and techniques covered in new ways that apply to investigators everywhere. Professional private investigator Philip Becnel guides readers in the field through the profession, sharing the necessary intense training, skill and dedication that it takes to become a private investigator.
