What is fraud?

Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person.

There are many words used to describe fraud.

Scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat, ploy, ruse, hoodwink, confidence trick.

These are just a few words you might hear in relation to fraud.

Fraud can be committed against individuals or businesses.

Have a look in our A-Z of fraud for information about different types of fraud.