The reliability of third-party evidence (e.g., bank statements) is enhanced when it is obtained from a
knowledgeable, but unbiased, respondent who is outside the company under audit. The respondent
should have little or no motivation to falsify information. In addition, when the response from a third
party is direct (that is, the auditor controls both the transmission and receipt of information), it may be
considered more reliable than audit evidence derived indirectly or by inference. If evidence exists in
documentary form (e.g., paper or electronic media), the evidence is even more reliable. However,