Houston Association of Certified Fraud Examiners upcoming events

May 15, 2026 - Four CPE Hours In Person Luncheon Training (12-5) with Social Networking Reception to Follow (5-7:30 pm) (May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

NOTE THE NEW LOCATION: HILTON HOUSTON MEDICAL CENTER, 6840 ALMEDA RD (@HOLCOMBE), HOUSTON, TX 77030). Parking is free

WE'RE TRYING OUT A NEW LOCATION TO BROADEN OUR OUTREACH

The Houston ACFE invites you to join us for our May In Person Training Event for Networking and Education (4 Hours CPE 12-5 pm + Social Networking with ACFE Houston Chapter to follow (5-7:30 pm - free)

Training Luncheon is $55 for members, $200 for non-members, and $40 for Law Enforcement chapter members

The Social Networking event is open to all Houston ACFE chapter members and attendees of the Luncheon Training. Registration for the Social Networking is a separate event on the Houston ACFE chapter website. Attendance at the Social Networking Event is free for all Houston ACFE Chapter members but requires pre-registration.

At the end of the training day, saunter on over and join your fellow Houston ACFE chapter members for a 2.5 hour networking reception with light refreshments and drinks. Refreshments and 2 drink tickets on the house for Houston ACFE registered attendees.

This event replaces our previously advertised April 17 event, which was rescheduled due to low attendance.

For our current Houston Chapter members. We will have 4 hours of Specialized Knowledge. AND a free Spring Social Networking Event on the same day! If you aren't a member yet, this is a great time to join!! Join at the Houston ACFE website: www.houstonacfe.org

The Houston ACFE is gathering the fraud‑fighting community for an afternoon of learning, collaboration, and connection — and we’d love to see you there.

Hilton Houston Medical Center
Friday, May 15
⏰ 12 PM Industry Networking Lunch → 1–5 PM Training → 5–7 PM Member Social

Training Highlights (4 CPE):
• Cryptocurrency Risks & Stablecoins
• Treasury Check Fraud & E‑Pay Scams
• Supply Chain Fraud & Real‑World Red Flags

Raffle prizes during training:
• Two Houston ACFE Conference registrations
• ACFE Exam Prep Guide

Evening Social (5–7:30 PM):
Free for Houston ACFE chapter Members — pre‑registration required.

Thinking about joining the chapter?
Membership is only $45 (Affiliate/Associate) or $35 (CFE).

Luncheon/Training attendees WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR RAFFLE DRAWINGS FOR THE HOUSTON ACFE CONFERENCE (2 WINNERS) AND/OR THE ACFE EXAM PREP GUIDE

Presentation 1: Cryptocurrency Risks & Safeguards: Stablecoin Is Coming to a Business Near You (1:00 - 2:30 pm)

Speakers: W. Marc Schwartz & Kevin Ortiz, Schwartz Associates)

Description: This presentation provides an introduction to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, with a focus on the rapidly growing role of stablecoins in the modern economy. We will cover how blockchain transactions work, the key differences between stablecoins and unregulated crypto, and the legal framework emerging around stablecoins under the GENIUS Act. We will also explore real-world concerns such as fraud, scams, and privacy risks, and demonstrate how blockchain forensics can be used to trace illicit transactions and support potential recovery.

Marc Schwartz is the founder, CEO and Managing Member of Schwartz Associates, LLC which specializes in Financial and Blockchain Forensics. His practice over the past fifty one years has included providing business valuation, financial restructuring and expert witness services on a number of civil and criminal cases as well as serving as a Chapter 11 bankruptcy trustee, a Chief Restructuring Officer, an examiner with expanded powers, a Federal and State court receiver, and as a court appointed special master. For the past three years he has been active in analyzing and developing business strategies relating to crypto currency and the blockchain. In November 2024 the Firm began to offer fee paid services tracing stolen cryptocurrency on the blockchain, to date the firm has traced $1.23 billion of crypto transactions

Kevin Ortiz offers a multidisciplinary background in cyber engineering, blockchain forensics, and client-focused investigations to his role at Schwartz Associates. With a strong foundation in network security and digital asset tracing, he specializes in delivering investigative solutions that pair technical precision with a deep understanding of cybercrime dynamics. His expertise includes analyzing blockchain transactions, mapping exposure across smart contracts, and guiding clients through complex digital asset recovery efforts. Before joining Schwartz Associates, Kevin built hands-on experience in network infrastructure and cybersecurity across both academic and private-sector environments. His technical work includes the development of a smart mobility device featuring embedded cybersecurity protocols and Wi-Fi-based geolocation, as well as leading infrastructure and security initiatives for Fortune 500 companies across the United States.

Presentation 2: E-pay: Emerging Threats and Scandals (2:45–3:45 PM)

Speaker: Doug Kutta Jr., Special Agent, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)

With a distinguished career beginning in 2001, Doug is an expert in complex fraud investigations who transitioned from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)—where he earned the HSI Director's Award and served on a high-risk Special Response Team—to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Following an Inspector General Award-winning investigation, he currently focuses on sophisticated financial crimes in Houston, serving on the Elder Fraud Strike Force and Financial Review Team. His background combines extensive domestic and international field experience with specialized skills in forensic investigation, fraud mitigation, and high-level investigative reporting for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Description: Emerging Threats & Scams examines how U.S. Treasury checks continue to be exploited through theft, alteration, and identity fraud, despite the expansion of electronic payments. Using real‑world law enforcement case studies, the session highlights key red flags, frontline failures, and investigation best practices tied to IRS and benefit check fraud. It also covers Treasury verification tools, current fraud trends, and what payment fraud professionals should expect as the federal government phases out paper checks and fraud migrates to ACH and debit channels. Attendees will gain practical insight into evidence preservation, coordination with federal partners, and building stronger referrals for prosecution. The session reinforces how timely intervention and informed questioning can prevent losses and disrupt organized fraud networks.

Presentation 3:

Description: Supply Chain Fraud: What AI Won’t Tell You!

Speaker: Jay Qatato CFE, Vice President, Supply Chain, CALPINE Corporation (4:00 - 5:00)

Bio: Jay has over 30 years of experience in supply chain, auditing, engineering, operations, and shared services. In his current role as the VP Supply Chain for Calpine, he manages a significant portion of the supply chain and is responsible for the procure to pay application to support all aspects of supply, including contracts, sourcing, purchasing, and invoicing. Jay has conducted both audit and internal investigations during the course of his career in a variety of business areas. He has been responsible for the creation of various analytics and interactive dashboards to manage risk and highlight any potential transactions of interest. Jay authored an article for the IIA International Magazine titled “Auditor or Adviser” and has been a guest on an Audit Podcast. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and is a CIA, CCSA, and CFE.

Description: Supply Chain Fraud – What AI Won’t Tell You

Supply chain fraud remains one of the most complex, costly, and least understood risks facing organizations today — and it’s not something technology alone can solve.

In this session, Jay Qatato, VP Supply Chain, explores the real‑world realities of supply chain fraud, drawing on practical experience across procurement, inventory, logistics, suppliers, and payments. Attendees will gain a clear view of where fraud can most commonly occur, why traditional controls and even advanced analytics often fall short, and how everyday business practices can unintentionally create exposure.

This session emphasizes practical prevention strategies: strengthening business understanding, improving controls and vendor onboarding, recognizing red flags, and reinforcing accountability across the supply chain. The takeaway is clear — effective fraud prevention starts with understanding how your business actually operates.

Agenda:

Friday, May 15
⏰ 12 PM Industry Networking Lunch → 1–5 PM Training → 5–7:30 PM Member Social

At the end of the training day, saunter on over and join your fellow Houston ACFE chapter members for a 2 hour reception with light refreshments and drinks. Refreshments and 2 drink tickets on the house for Houston ACFE registered attendees.

Event Policies:

Program Cancellation Policy

If you have registered and/or paid for an event and you need to cancel, you MUST cancel online through your account no later than 5 days prior to the event, unless otherwise indicated in specific event policies, to request a refund and/or cancel your registration. The Chapter must confirm event registrations with the venue prior to the event and any changes after this time period can become a financial cost to the Chapter. The Chapter reserves the right to make the final determination on what percentage charge/refund will be returned for cancellations made after the cutoff. The default condition is that cancellations made after cutoff will be charged at 100% and/or no refunds will be allowed. In the event the Chapter determines that partial charges or refunds will be allowed, they will be made on a case by case basis.

In the event of having to cancel one of the events, the Chapter would immediately send an email blast to all registrants with the emails they used for registration. The Chapter media relations officer would post on all social media platforms notifying members of the cancellation, and the Chapter webmaster would also post cancellation on the Chapter website.

In the event an attendee does not show up to the event, the registration cost will be forfeited. If payment at the door was the selected method, then the attendee will be billed for the full cost of the event. The Chapter reserves the right to bar future registrations for any attendees who routinely register and fail to pay and/or attend the event. If you have any questions you may email events@houstonacfe.org."

For more information regarding refund, complaint and/or program cancellation policies, please visit the Terms & Conditions section of the website, or email us at events@houstonacfe.org.

Additional Information:

Delivery Method: Group Live

Prerequisites: Not Applicable
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Who Should Attend: Anti-fraud professionals, Auditors, Accountants, Attorneys, Investigators, Law Enforcement, Educators, Students
Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic

NASBA Sponsor No. 125230

The Houston Area Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

For concerns regarding course offerings, certifications or complaints, please contact: Sasha Gartman, Training Director at the Houston ACFE.

Houston ACFE Spring Member Networking Happy Hour - May 15, 2026 (May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Houston ACFE Spring Member Networking Happy Hour

The Houston ACFE Chapter would like to invite all chapter members to our

Spring Networking Happy Hour for Members

This is a networking event for Houston ACFE chapter members.

This is a great opportunity to meet fellow anti-fraud professionals and make some new connections. The Houston ACFE will be providing beverages with some savory snacks!

✨ New Announcement: Houston ACFE Networking Social – May 15, 2026

We’re excited to invite the Houston ACFE Chapter members fraud‑fighting community to our Spring Networking Social Happy Hour on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Hilton Houston Medical Center — a new venue for 2026. PARKING IS FREE

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MAY 12, 2025 AT 5 PM. Please register as soon as possible so we can give an accurate food and drink order to the venue.

This early‑evening gathering is the perfect way to wrap up the week and connect with CFEs, investigators, auditors, SIU professionals, AML specialists, cyber teams, compliance leaders, and students from across the region.

5:00–7:30 PM — Networking Social Happy Hour
Free for Houston ACFE Chapter Members — pre‑registration required
Includes two free drink tickets plus light appetizers and refreshments.

You’ll also have the chance to meet our speakers and connect with attendees from the day’s programming.

And for those who want to make the most of the day…

Our in‑person training event takes place earlier that afternoon, offering 4 hours of CPE (including Ethics) with expert‑led sessions on cryptocurrency risks, e‑pay fraud, and supply chain vulnerabilities. It’s a seamless way to learn, earn CPE, and then roll right into the social.

You will need to be logged in to your HOUSTON ACFE website profile to be able to register for this event. Questions or concerns: events@houstonacfe.org

Not a member yet?
This is a great time to join the Houston Chapter:
• $45 Affiliate/Associate
• $35 CFEs

Membership gives you access to discounted training, member‑only events, and our expanded social programming.

Register or join at: www.houstonacfe.org

Tuesday, May 15. 2026

Time: 5:00 to 7:30 pm

Where? HILTON HOUSTON MEDICAL CENTER, 6840 ALMEDA RD (@HOLCOMBE), HOUSTON, TX 77030

Not a member of the Chapter? That's ok! You can join the Houston ACFE online and pay your dues today to become eligible. Register today! www.houstonacfe.org

Limit 50 attendees so register soon!

Virtual Pre-Conference One Day October 21, 2026, ACFE Houston (7 CPEs) (October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

We HOPE you will attend our One-Day Virtual Pre-Conference! Our conference them for the 14th Annual Conference is FRAUD WARS: A NEW HOPE!

You only need to register for the virtual conference if that is the only event you are attending! If you register for the full conference, you do not need to separately register for the virtual conference. You will automatically be registered for the virtual conference and the in person when registering for the full conference.

The Houston ACFE invites you to join us for Day One Virtual Pre-Conference (10/21/2026) for 7 hours of CPE.

If you are already signed up for or intend to sign up for the in person conference you DO NOT need to register here.

Virtual Pre-Conference October 21, 2026

Description:

7:55 am Zoom Opens

8:00 - 4:00 pm Sessions by Zoom

Recommended CPE hours: 7 Hours

Event Policies:

Program Cancellation Policy

For more information regarding refund, complaint and/or program cancellation policies, please visit the Terms & Conditions section of the website, or email us at events@houstonacfe.org.

Additional Information:

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Prerequisites: Not Applicable
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Who Should Attend: Anti-fraud professionals, Auditors, Accountants, Attorneys, Investigators, Law Enforcement, Educators, Students
Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic

NASBA Sponsor No. 125230

For concerns regarding course offerings, certifications or complaints, please contact: Sasha Gartman, Training Director at the Houston ACFE.

14th Annual ACFE Houston Fraud Conference: Fraud Wars - A New Hope (October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Fraud Wars: A New Hope is the theme of our 14th Annual Houston Fraud Conference!

Same price as last year!

Note: If you are registered for the full conference, you DO NOT need to register for the virtual conference.

Registration Open soon!

The Houston ACFE Chapter hosts its 14th Annual Fraud Conference offering a 3-day, 21 hour CPE training event stacked with dynamic, entertaining presentations. The lineup of speakers includes some new faces and familiar crowd-pleasers! Registration will be open soon!

Join the Houston ACFE online for the first day of our conference virtually on October 21, 2026. Then come in person for the next two days, October 22-23, 2026

The FULL conference registration fee includes the virtual conference PLUS the in person conference.

You may also register separately for the one-day virtual conference on 10/21 if you cannot attend in person.

CPE Credits (Virtual Preconference Only): 7 credits

CPE Credits (In Person) = 14 credits (8 on Thursday, 6 on Friday)

Full conference: total available: 21 credits

Come Join Us!

Register a group of 5 or more and receive a 10% discount on the regular conference price! For group registrations, please email a list of individual names and email addresses to events@houstonacfe.org

Group memberships and conference registrations can be processed in the same invoice.

Presentations:

October 22-23, 2026 - Two full days of in-person training and networking

Virtual Pre-Conference only October 21, 2026

Note: On Thursday, October 22: All Houston area ACFE members are invited to the free Fall Networking Reception from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at the Norris Conference Center, so networking opportunities are available. Attendance at the conference is not required to attend the networking reception.

CPE Credits:

14 credits = Group Live and another 7 credits Group Internet Based = 21 CPE for the entire conference.

Event Policies:

If you have registered and/or paid for an event and you need to cancel, you MUST email no later than 10 days prior to the event to request a refund and/or cancel your registration.

Cancellations within 10 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund, but substitutions will be accepted. Please request substitutions by emailing events@houstonacfe.org

For more information regarding refund, complaint and/or program cancellation policies, please visit the Terms & Conditions section of the website, or email us at events@houstonacfe.org

Additional Information:

Delivery Method: Group Live & Group Internet Based

Prerequisites: Not Applicable

Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge

Who Should Attend: Anti-fraud professionals, Auditors, Accountants, Attorneys, Investigators, Law Enforcement, Educators, Students

Advanced Preparation: None

Program Level: Basic

Pricing:

Early Bird Pricing - Register on or before July 31, 2026 to save $100 of the quoted prices below (excluding Group Rates)

Houston ACFE Chapter Members – $600.00 This registration fee amount is open only to current members of the Houston ACFE Chapter

Member Group Rate – $540.00 = Must register a group
10% discount for ACFE Members, as part of a Group of 3 or more.

Law Enforcement, Students & Educators – $500.00 To register under this reduced rate you will be need to provide evidence of your eligibility. For more information on qualifying please see the Terms and Conditions located under Events. Please contact events@houstonacfe.org for more information.

Professional Guests & Non-Members – $700.00
This registration is open to anyone. You do not need to be a member of the local ACFE Chapter to register.

Non Member Group Discount Rate (3 or More) – $630.00
10% discount as part of group rate

PAYMENTS CAN ONLY BE MADE THROUGH PAYPAL, ACH WIRE TRANSFER, or in person at one of our in person events. No checks through the mail.

NASBA Sponsor No.125230

Texas CPA No.004563
CFE credits are good for the CFE credential

The Houston Area Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

For concerns regarding course offerings, certifications or complaints, please contact: Sasha Gartman, Training Director at the Houston ACFE.

events@houstonacfe.org