Defrauded

To be *defrauded* means to be cheated or deprived of something, typically money or property, through deceit or trickery. It implies a deliberate act of dishonesty designed to gain an unfair advantage over another person or entity. The victim suffers a financial or material loss as a result of the perpetrator's fraudulent actions. The act of *defrauding* often involves misrepresentation, false promises, or the exploitation of trust. This criminal act can happen by individuals and organisations to deprive you of your wealth or possessions by lying to you.

Defrauded meaning with examples

• The elderly couple was defrauded out of their life savings by a fake investment scheme. The swindlers promised high returns, gained their trust, and then absconded with their money. The emotional distress compounded their financial ruin. They felt betrayed and vulnerable, which caused them great mental anguish.
• Thousands of customers were defrauded by the company's misleading advertising. The products never lived up to the promises made, and customers were left with substandard goods and no recourse. They had invested their money in something they didn't receive.
• The charity was defrauded when the accountant embezzled funds meant for humanitarian aid. The loss meant fewer resources for the projects that helped communities in need, and severely hampered their operations and affected those in need.
• The online shopper was defrauded when they purchased an expensive item and never received it. The seller disappeared after collecting the payment, leaving the victim with no goods and a financial loss. A police investigation started but the perpetrator has not been located.
• The bank was defrauded through a sophisticated phishing scam. Criminals used stolen credentials to access accounts, transfer funds, and disappear with the money. This was an expensive loss and cost the bank to update its security measures.