Fraud
/frɔːd/
Definitions
2 meaningsWrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
/frɔːd/
Deceit or trickery for profit or to gain an unfair advantage.
He was charged with credit card fraud.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone trying to trick you to get your money or something valuable. That's fraud! Like when someone pretends to sell you a real Rolex watch but gives you a fake.
👶 For kids: When someone tries to trick you to get something they don't deserve, like when a kid pretends to be sick to get out of chores.
More Examples
The investigation revealed a complex scheme of tax fraud.
Consumers must be vigilant to avoid online fraud.
How It's Used
"The company was accused of financial fraud."
"Identity fraud is a growing concern in online transactions."
To illegally or dishonestly obtain money or goods from someone by deception.
/frɔːd/
To wrongfully obtain money, goods, or services from someone by deception.
The company defrauded its customers by selling them faulty products.
💡 Simply: To scam or trick someone for money or benefits. For example, when a person creates a fake charity to get donations from people.
👶 For kids: To trick someone to get something, like when you promise to be good to get a toy but you don't.
More Examples
The con man defrauded several elderly people of their life savings.
He was accused of defrauding the insurance company.
How It's Used
"He was convicted of defrauding investors."
"Companies attempt to fraud the government with various strategies."
Idioms & expressions
insurance fraud
Dishonest act carried out in order to obtain a financial benefit from an insurance company.
"The police are investigating several cases of insurance fraud."
identity fraud
The illegal use of someone else's personal information to obtain money or credit.
"Identity fraud is a major concern in the digital age."
Ponzi scheme
A form of fraud in which belief in the success of a nonexistent enterprise is fostered by the payment of quick returns to the first investors from money invested by later investors.
"The investment turned out to be a Ponzi scheme, and many people lost money."
From Middle English fraude, from Old French fraude, from Latin fraus ('deceit, trickery').
Used since the 13th century, originally referring to a deceit or trick.
Memory tip
Think of a shady character named 'Fraud' who's always trying to swindle people.