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Accounting Fraud involves deliberate manipulation or misrepresentation of financial statements or records to deceive stakeholders about a company’s financial health or performance. This can include inflating revenues, understating expenses, misstating assets or liabilities, or engaging in other deceptive practices to artificially enhance financial metrics. Accounting fraud can be perpetrated by executives, accountants, or other employees seeking personal gain, avoiding regulatory scrutiny, or maintaining stock prices. Common methods include fictitious transactions, improper revenue recognition, and hidden liabilities. The consequences of accounting fraud can be severe, leading to investor losses, regulatory penalties, damaged reputations, and in extreme cases, bankruptcy or legal action against those responsible. Effective oversight, transparency, and adherence to accounting standards are critical in preventing and detecting such fraudulent activities.