Investors can detect a company's attempts at earnings management with the help of allowances for bad debts, by A multiple-choice question with one possible answer. comparing current allowances with past years' and investigating actual bad debt write-offs over time. calling up major customers of the company and verifying reported balances in good standing. analyzing the statement of cash flows and investigating the section marked 'operating activities.' comparing dividend payments to investors with cash flow from operating activities over a period of time