Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
fraudulent pretenses
Read a random definition: office of child-support enforcement
A quick definition of fraudulent pretenses:
Fraudulent pretenses is a type of crime where someone lies about something to trick another person into giving them something valuable, like money or property. This is also known as false pretenses. It is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including being charged with a felony or misdemeanor depending on the value of the property involved. This is different from stealing because the person willingly gives the property to the liar, thinking they are telling the truth.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Fraudulent pretenses, also known as false pretenses, is a crime where someone knowingly obtains someone else's personal property by lying or misrepresenting a fact with the intention to cheat or deceive them.
For example, if someone sells a car to another person by lying about its condition or history, that would be considered fraudulent pretenses. Another example would be if someone pretends to be a charity and asks for donations, but then keeps the money for themselves.
These examples illustrate the definition because in both cases, the person is using false information to obtain something of value from someone else. They are intentionally deceiving the other person in order to benefit themselves.