Financial Shenanigans, Fourth Edition: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks & Fraud in Financial Reports, 4th Edition

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Cash Flow Shenanigan No. 3: Boosting Operating Cash Flow Using Unsustainable Activities

With local versions in more than 100 countries, the hit game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has been one of the most successful television franchises of all time. The game is alluringly simple: contestants are asked up to 15 trivia questions. Answering all the questions correctly will win the grand prize; however, if the contestant gives one wrong answer, he or she goes home.

If a contestant is struggling with a question, the rules allow for the use of a “lifeline.” For example, one lifeline allows the contestant to ask a friend for help, and another lets the contestant poll the studio audience for its opinion. These lifelines can prove very valuable ...