Words / B1

FRORD/frɔːd/

Fraud is the crime of deception for money or advantage: benefit fraud; fraud squad; commit fraud. Scam is everyday; deception is wider. Uncountable in many legal headlines (a rise in fraud). Do not call a white lie fraud. UK news: Action Fraud; bank fraud warnings.

Meaning

The crime of deceiving people to get money or an advantage (uncountable in many legal uses).

Examples

• “Online fraud targeting exam bookings rose last summer.”
• “He was charged with fraud, not with a simple mistake on the form.”

Good to know

Uncountable (many headlines): fraud; commit / investigate fraud. Everyday: scam. Person: a fraud (also “impostor”). Not a white lie.

Near in meaning

scam

New