CAMS-FCI Exam Guide, Objectives & Preparation

Exam Overview

Exam Code	CAMS-FCI
Exam Name	Advanced CAMS-Financial Crimes Investigations
Vendor	Acams
Total Questions	101
Last Updated	26-Oct, 2026

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Free CAMS-FCI Practice Questions

Explore 8 free practice questions for the Acams CAMS-FCI exam and review the answers and explanations to support your preparation.

Question 1
Multiple answers

An investigator is reviewing an alert for unusual activity. System scanning detected a text string within a company customer's account transactions that indicates the account may have been used for a drug or drug paraphernalia purchase Based on the KYC profile, the investigator determines the customer's company name and business type are marketed as a gardening supplies company. The investigator reviews the account activity and notes an online purchase transaction that leads the investigator to a website that sells various strains of marijuan a. Additional account review detects cash deposits into the account at the branch teller lines, so the investigator reaches out to the teller staff regarding the transactions. The teller staff member reports that the business customers have frequently deposited cash in lower amounts. The teller, without prompting, adds that one of the transactors would occasionally smell of a distinctscent of marijuana smoke. Which are the best next steps for the investigator to take? (Select Three.)
- Option A:
  Review the customer's transaction history.
  Correct
- Option B:
  Request information from the internet service provider who hosts the website.
  Correct
- Option C:
  Check internal KYC information.
  Correct
- Option D:
  Research other customer accounts for transactions to the same website.
  Correct
- Option E:
  Conduct adverse media and open-source searches on the customer's background.
  Correct
- Option F:
  Identify if the customer has opened accounts in an urban city area.
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A, C, E

Explanation

The best next steps for the investigator to take are: A . Review the customer’s transaction history. This can help the investigator identify any patterns or anomalies in the customer’s account activity, such as changes in transaction volume, frequency, amount, source, destination, purpose, etc. The investigator can also compare the customer’s transaction history with their KYC profile and risk rating to assess if there are any discrepancies or inconsistencies. C . Check internal KYC information. This can help the investigator verify the customer’s identity, business nature, ownership structure, expected activity, source of funds, etc. The investigator can also update or enhance the customer’s KYC information based on any new or relevant information obtained from other sources. E Conduct adverse media and open-source searches on the customer’s background. This can help the investigator find out if there is any negative or adverse information about the customer in public data sources, such as news articles, social media posts, blogs, forums, etc. Adverse media and opensource searches can also provide additional context and insight into the customer’s reputation, behavior, associations, etc. The other options are incorrect because: B . Request information from the internet service provider who hosts the website is not feasible, as it may require a legal process or a court order to obtain such information. Moreover, the internet service provider may not have or disclose any useful information about the website or its owner. D . Research other customer accounts for transactions to the same website is not relevant, as it may not provide any meaningful information about the customer under investigation. Furthermore, it may violate the privacy and confidentiality of other customers who are not related to the investigation. F . Identify if the customer has opened accounts in an urban city area is not helpful, as it may not have any bearing on the customer’s involvement in a drug or drug paraphernalia purchase. Additionally, it may not be possible to access or verify such information without the customer’s consent or authorization. Reference: Advanced CAMS-FCI Certification | ACAMS, Section 2: Investigating Financial Crimes, page 11 Leading Complex Investigations Certificate | ACAMS, Module 3: Conducting Research and Analysis, page 6 Adverse Media Screening - Using AI to Mitigate Risk Legal requirements for adverse media screening - Thomson Reuters Electronic client due diligence | Ethics help sheets | ICAEW 6AMLD &FATF: Where Adverse Media Screening Fits In Free Adverse Media Check | NameScan
Question 2
Multiple answers

During transaction monitoring. Bank A learns that one of their customers. Med Supplies 123, is attempting to make a payment via wire totaling 382,500 USD to PPE Business LLC located in Mexico to purchase a large order of personal protective equipment. specifically surgical masks and face shields. Upon further verification. Bank A decides to escalate and refers the case to investigators.
Bank A notes that, days prior to the above transaction, the same customer went to a Bank A location to wire 1,215,280 USD to Breath Well LTD located in Singapore. Breath Well was acting as an intermediary to purchase both 3-ply surgical masks and face shields from China. Bank A decided not to complete the transaction due to concerns with the involved supplier in China. Moreover, the customer is attempting to send a third wire in the amount of 350,000 USD for the purchase of these items, this time using a different vendor in China. The investigator must determine next steps in the investigation and what actions, if any. should be taken against relevant parties.
Upon further investigation. Bank As investigator learns that both the Mexico- and Singapore-based companies are linked to the alleged suppliers in China. Which additional indicators would the investigator need to identify to determine if this fits a fentanyl (drug) trafficking typology? (Select Two.)
- Option A:
  Review of the invoices and transportation documents, provided by the customer, reveal significant discrepancies between the description of goods.
  Internet research reveals that suppliers are newly established companies with no history of sales of medical equipment
  Correct
- Option B:
  Review of the account activity reveals that wires were mainly funded by multiple
  cash deposits, conducted in amounts of 10.000 USD or below.
  Correct
- Option C:
  Review of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product certifications provided by the customer reveals that documents were falsified.
  Correct
- Option D:
  Review of the account activity reveals that account is inconsistent with the expected business activity as it shows multiple charges at various hotels, transportation tickets for unrelated 3rd parties, etc.
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A, C
Question 3
Single answer

A criminal is engaged in chain hopping while trying to launder ransomware payments. The criminal will likely:
- Option A:
  obscure the funds using a mixer.
  Correct
- Option B:
  convert the funds to a different type of cryptocurrency
  Correct
- Option C:
  store the funds in a cold wallet.
  Correct
- Option D:
  move the funds to an offshore cryptocurrency wallet.
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

Chain hopping is a technique used by criminals to obscure the traceability of cryptocurrency transactions by converting the funds to a different type of cryptocurrency, often using multiple exchanges or platforms. The other options are not related to chain hopping. References: Advanced CAMS-FCI Study Guide, page 38.
Question 4
Multiple answers

A SAR/STR on cash activity is filed for a company registered in the Marshall Islands operating a Mediterranean beach bar and hotel. The company has three nominee directors, one nominee shareholder, and another individual declared as both the beneficial owner and authorized signatory. Which information is key for law enforcement ' s physical surveillance of cash activity? (Select Two.)
- Option A:
  The identification details o ' the nominee shareholder
  Correct
- Option B:
  The company ' s operating address
  Correct
- Option C:
  The identification details of the beneficial owner and authorized signatory
  Correct
- Option D:
  The company ' s registered address
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B, C

Explanation

The identification details of the beneficial owner and authorized signatory are key for law enforcement’s physical surveillance of cash activity, as they would help identify the person who controls and operates the company and who is responsible for its financial transactions. The company’s operating address is also key, as it would help locate the premises where the cash activity takes place and observe any suspicious movements or behaviors. The identification details of the nominee shareholder and directors are not relevant, as they are not involved in the management or operation of the company. The company’s registered address is also not relevant, as it is likely to be a shell or mailbox address that does not reflect the actual location of the business.
References: Advanced CAMS-FCI Study Guide, page 44-45; [FATF Guidance on Transparency and Beneficial Ownership], page 12-13.
Question 5
Multiple answers

Which scenarios are common to money laundering through online marketplaces and trade-based money laundering? (Select Two.)
- Option A:
  Over-valuation of the stated price of goods
  Correct
- Option B:
  Use of fraudulent letters of credit
  Correct
- Option C:
  No evidence of delivery of goods or shipping expenses
  Correct
- Option D:
  Frequent conversion of foreign currency
  Correct
- Option E:
  Use of multiple freight forwarding or export companies
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A, C

Explanation

Money laundering through online marketplaces and trade-based money laundering both involve the manipulation of the value or quantity of goods to disguise the illicit origin of funds. Over-valuation of the stated price of goods and no evidence of delivery of goods or shipping expenses are two common indicators of such schemes. The other options are not specific to these methods of money laundering.
References: Advanced CAMS-FCI Study Guide, page 29-30.
Question 6
Single answer

An investigator at a bank triggered a review in relation to potential misuse of legal persons and a complex network of corporate entities owned by customer A. For the investigator to provide a holistic view of the underlying risk, which action should be the initial focus of the investigation?
- Option A:
  Use data analytics to extract and analyze the linkages between the different entities.
  Correct
- Option B:
  Conduct a network link analysis on all customers of the bank.
  Correct
- Option C:
  Find out whether customer A has relationships with other financial institutions.
  Correct
- Option D:
  Review the customer due diligence documents of each entity and examine the year of incorporation and onboarding channel.
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

The initial focus of the investigation should be to review the customer due diligence documents of each entity and examine the year of incorporation and onboarding channel, as this would help identify the beneficial owners, the source of funds, and the purpose of the business relationship. This would also help determine if the entities are shell companies or have any red flags that indicate potential misuse of legal persons. Using data analytics to extract and analyze the linkages between the different entities would be a subsequent step, not the initial one. Conducting a network link analysis on all customers of the bank would be too broad and time-consuming. Finding out whether customer A has relationships with other financial institutions would be relevant, but not the initial focus. References: [Advanced CAMS-FCI Study Guide], page 44-45; [FATF Guidance on Transparency and Beneficial Ownership] , page 12-13.
Question 7
Single answer

Law enforcement (LE) suspects human trafficking to occur during a major sporting event. LE officers asked several financial institutions (FIs) to monitor financial transactions occurring before, during, and after the event.
An investigator identified a pattern linked to a business. The business ' account received multiple even dollar deposits between midnight and 4:00 AM. They occurred each day for several days prior to the date of the sporting event. Also, large cash deposits, typically between 2,000 USD and 3,000 USD. made by a person to the business ' account occurred in many branches in the days after the sports event.
There was little information about the company. The company did not have any history of employee payroll expenses or paying taxes. Expenses from the business account included air travel and hotel expenses. Searches about the person making cash deposits showed little. An online social media platform webpage with the individual ' s name showed ads for dates " and " companionship. "
The Fl receives a keep open ' letter from LE for the identified account and agrees to keep the account open. What is the Fl required to do?
- Option A:
  Contact the client for information relating to the account.
  Correct
- Option B:
  Stop filing SAR/STR reports on the account and/or customer.
  Correct
- Option C:
  Ensure that the request includes an end date.
  Correct
- Option D:
  Notify LE immediately after new transactions.
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

The FI is required to ensure that the request includes an end date © when it receives a keep open letter from LE for the identified account. This is because the FI has to balance its legal obligations to cooperate with LE and to protect its customers’ privacy and rights. According to the ACAMS Advanced Financial Crimes Investigations Certification Study Guide1, “the FI should request a written confirmation from LE that includes a specific end date for the request, as well as a point of contact for any questions or concerns” (p. 35). The FI should also document the request and its compliance with it, and continue to monitor the account for any suspicious activity.
The other options are not correct. The FI should not contact the client for information relating to the account (A), as this could compromise the LE investigation or alert the client of the suspicion. The FI should not stop filing SAR/STR reports on the account and/or customer (B), as this could violate its regulatory obligations and expose it to legal risks. The FI should not notify LE immediately after new transactions (D), as this could also interfere with the LE investigation or tip off the client. The FI should follow the instructions of LE regarding when and how to share information.
Question 8
Single answer

Which is the first valid step in the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties international cooperation process?
- Option A:
  The investigator may remove the evidence collected without asking permission to do so.
  Correct
- Option B:
  The central authority of the requesting country sends a letter of request to the central authority of the other country.
  Correct
- Option C:
  An investigator from the requesting country visits the country where the information is sought and takes statements from the identified witnesses or suspects.
  Correct
- Option D:
  The central authority that receives the request sends it to a local judicial officer to find out if the information is available.
  Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

The first valid step in the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) international cooperation process is for the central authority of the requesting country to send a letter of request to the central authority of the other country. The letter of request should provide a summary of the facts and information required, the reasons for the request, and any specific legal or procedural requirements that need to be met. (CAMS Manual, 6th Edition, Page 233).

Free CAMS-FCI Practice Questions

Question 1

Review the customer's transaction history.

Request information from the internet service provider who hosts the website.

Check internal KYC information.

Research other customer accounts for transactions to the same website.

Conduct adverse media and open-source searches on the customer's background.

Identify if the customer has opened accounts in an urban city area.

Question 2

Review of the invoices and transportation documents, provided by the customer, reveal significant discrepancies between the description of goods.

Internet research reveals that suppliers are newly established companies with no history of sales of medical equipment

Review of the account activity reveals that wires were mainly funded by multiple

cash deposits, conducted in amounts of 10.000 USD or below.

Review of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product certifications provided by the customer reveals that documents were falsified.

Review of the account activity reveals that account is inconsistent with the expected business activity as it shows multiple charges at various hotels, transportation tickets for unrelated 3rd parties, etc.

Question 3

A criminal is engaged in chain hopping while trying to launder ransomware payments. The criminal will likely:

obscure the funds using a mixer.

convert the funds to a different type of cryptocurrency

store the funds in a cold wallet.

move the funds to an offshore cryptocurrency wallet.

Question 4

The identification details o ' the nominee shareholder

The company ' s operating address

The identification details of the beneficial owner and authorized signatory

The company ' s registered address

Question 5

Which scenarios are common to money laundering through online marketplaces and trade-based money laundering? (Select Two.)

Over-valuation of the stated price of goods

Use of fraudulent letters of credit

No evidence of delivery of goods or shipping expenses

Frequent conversion of foreign currency

Use of multiple freight forwarding or export companies

Question 6

An investigator at a bank triggered a review in relation to potential misuse of legal persons and a complex network of corporate entities owned by customer A. For the investigator to provide a holistic view of the underlying risk, which action should be the initial focus of the investigation?

Use data analytics to extract and analyze the linkages between the different entities.

Conduct a network link analysis on all customers of the bank.

Find out whether customer A has relationships with other financial institutions.

Review the customer due diligence documents of each entity and examine the year of incorporation and onboarding channel.

Question 7

Contact the client for information relating to the account.

Stop filing SAR/STR reports on the account and/or customer.

Ensure that the request includes an end date.

Notify LE immediately after new transactions.

Question 8

Which is the first valid step in the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties international cooperation process?

The investigator may remove the evidence collected without asking permission to do so.

The central authority of the requesting country sends a letter of request to the central authority of the other country.

An investigator from the requesting country visits the country where the information is sought and takes statements from the identified witnesses or suspects.

The central authority that receives the request sends it to a local judicial officer to find out if the information is available.