Which statement best describes fraud?

• A. Theft
• B. Deception to obtain money or property through misrepresentation
• C. Robbery
• D. Embezzlement

Answer: (B)

Fraud is about deliberate deception to obtain money or property by misrepresenting facts or omitting important information. The key element is intent to defraud—the wrongdoer knows what they’re saying is false or misleading and aims to cause another person to part with value. This focus on deceit and misrepresentation is what makes fraud different from other crimes that involve taking property. Theft and robbery involve taking property without permission, often without relying on deceit (robbery even uses force or threats). Embezzlement deals with someone misusing property entrusted to them, which is a breach of trust rather than obtaining something from someone through false statements. So, describing fraud as deception to obtain money or property through misrepresentation best captures its defining nature.