In the sea of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the allure of reported earnings can be a siren song, promising untold riches. But just like pirate invoices, what you see isn’t always what you get. Don’t get wrecked on the rocks. A Quality of Earnings (QofE) report is the compass towards the true economic earnings of a target company. With a business destined for a new path, you are not just reading the maps, you are connecting the dots to create […]

For entrepreneurs, divorce isn’t just personal—it can shake the foundation of everything you’ve built. When your life and your business are closely tied together, untangling the two during a separation can quickly get complicated. Entrepreneur divorce and business protection require high-stakes decisions and clear, accurate financial information to protect not only the Private Clients involved but also the future of the business. Why It Feels Like a Hostile Takeover Legal battles over a business can be emotionally and financially exhausting.

The new tariffs on imported cars have introduced significant challenges for businesses that rely on global supply chains. Effective April 3, 2025, these tariffs, set at 25%, target a wide range of imported vehicles and auto parts, including passenger vehicles, SUVs, light trucks, and critical auto components. This shift in policy, announced by President Trump, could have far-reaching effects on businesses, particularly in the automotive sector. These new tariffs could increase costs for companies sourcing imported vehicles and parts, potentially

Forensic Due Diligence The startup ecosystem thrives on bold ideas, disruptive innovation, and the promise of exponential returns. Investors are constantly searching for the next unicorn, but alongside these opportunities comes the risk of a mythical company. While traditional due diligence reviews financials and market potential, it often fails to uncover deeper vulnerabilities, the kind that can lead to fraud, regulatory issues, or financial disaster. This is where forensic due diligence becomes important. By investigating financial anomalies, undisclosed liabilities, and

Amazon refund fraud is making headlines as former University of Miami student Matthew Bergwall has agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution after pleading guilty to mail fraud conspiracy. Bergwall, from Darien, Connecticut, was involved in a sophisticated return shipping scam that cost retailers over $8 million. How the Amazon Refund Fraud Worked Authorities say Bergwall participated in nearly 10,000 fraudulent returns, manipulating Amazon’s return system and other retailers’ policies to obtain refunds without actually returning the items. Amazon alone

Fraud in the News: Top Cases Making Headlines Today At Intellex Forensics, we monitor fraud in the news across industries to help businesses and Private Clients stay informed and protected. Today, March 18, 2025, several major fraud incidents have emerged, highlighting the growing threats of financial crime. Election Fraud Probe Raises Questions in D.C. Washington, D.C.’s interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin announced an election fraud investigation, but concerns have been raised about his authority to conduct probes outside of the

The Enron scandal remains one of the most infamous corporate fraud cases in U.S. history. Once a Wall Street darling, Enron’s downfall in 2001 exposed widespread financial manipulation, leading to billions in investor losses, the dissolution of Arthur Andersen, and the introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) to prevent future corporate fraud. But how did one of the largest energy companies in the world deceive regulators and investors for so long? In this article, Intellex Forensics examines the fraudulent accounting

Forensic Accounting Exposes $6 Million Fraud at Feeding Our Future At Intellex Forensics, we know that fraud can affect any organization, including non-profits. A recent case involving Feeding Our Future, a Minneapolis-based non-profit, serves as a stark reminder of how forensic accounting plays a crucial role in uncovering financial misconduct and bringing those responsible to justice. The Case: $6 Million Fraud at Feeding Our Future A former executive at Feeding Our Future and a business consultant recently pleaded guilty to

The Critical Role of Quality of Earnings in M&A: Balancing Buyer and Seller Interests In the high-stakes arena of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the Quality of Earnings (QoE) report has emerged as an indispensable tool for both acquirers and sellers. This financial deep dive transcends traditional audits by scrutinizing the sustainability, reliability, and operational drivers of a company’s earnings. For buyers, QoE analysis mitigates the risks of overpayment and post-acquisition surprises by separating core earnings from financial noise. For sellers,

The Family Business Dilemma: Five Forensic Fixes for Smooth Transitions Family businesses are the heart and soul of the American economy, yet only 30% survive to the second generation. Additionally, the number drops to 12% for the third generation and 3% for the fourth and beyond. Why? Transitions are hard, and often bring conflict, unclear finances, and emotional turmoil. When leadership changes, without a clear plan, legacy and trust can crumble fast. But there’s hope. Forensic experts, like the Intellex