fraud fraud [frɔːd ǁ frɒːd] noun [countable, uncountable]
LAW a method of illegally getting money from a person or organization, often using clever and complicated methods:
• Should audits be expected to detect every fraud?
• He had a criminal conviction for credit card fraud.
• Hood was convicted of tax fraud and sent to prison.
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fraud UK US /frɔːd/ noun
► [C or U] LAW the crime of getting money by tricking or deceiving people, or a crime of this type: serious/massive fraud »
We only investigate when there are sufficient grounds for believing serious fraud has taken place.
»The US Sentencing Commission has raised penalties for corporate fraud twice.
credit card/tax fraud »He was charged for federal tax fraud.
bank/accounting fraud »She pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bank fraud.
engage in/commit/perpetrate fraud »It is said that they knowingly helped corporate executives commit fraud.
»a fraud investigation/case/trial
► [C] something that is not what it appears to be and is deliberately used to deceive people, especially to get money: »
What happens if the investment turns out to be a fraud?
► [C] someone who deceives people, often to get money, by saying they are something they are not: »
She believes her lawyer was a fraud.
Financial and business terms. 2012.