Defraud

To illegally obtain money or property from someone by deception or trickery; to cheat or swindle. defraud typically involves a calculated scheme to deprive an individual or organization of their assets through false pretenses, misrepresentation, or the exploitation of trust. This can encompass a wide range of actions, from minor scams to large-scale financial crimes. The intent is always to unjustly enrich oneself at the expense of another, causing financial or material loss, and often violating laws and regulations. It carries a connotation of malicious intent and a deliberate act of dishonesty.

Defraud meaning with examples

• The con artist sought to defraud vulnerable elderly people by posing as a legitimate investment broker. They promised high returns with minimal risk, manipulating their victims into handing over their life savings. The authorities eventually apprehended the perpetrator and exposed their fraudulent scheme, but many individuals suffered significant financial losses, showcasing the devastating consequences of being defrauded.
• The company was found guilty of attempting to defraud the government by submitting inflated invoices for construction work. They falsely claimed expenses, hoping to collect more money than they were entitled to. This was a clear violation of contractual agreements and led to legal repercussions, including hefty fines and the risk of losing the company's ability to bid on future government projects.
• The online phishing scam aimed to defraud users by sending fake emails that appeared to be from their banks. The messages prompted recipients to reveal sensitive personal information, such as passwords and account numbers, which were then used to steal money from their accounts, highlighting how digital spaces facilitate sophisticated acts of defrauding individuals.
• The politician was accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions in an effort to defraud the public and manipulate the outcome of an election. Using covert transactions to obscure the true source of funds and gain an unfair advantage in the political arena, his actions prompted scrutiny by the authorities and potentially undermined the integrity of the democratic process.