Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Deception definition

What does Deception mean? Deception describes misleading another person, by words or conduct, about a matter of fact, law, or present intention (one’s own or another’s), so that they act in a way they otherwise would not—such as transferring property, providing services, or assuming a liability. In England and Wales and in Northern Ireland, historic “deception” offences (including obtaining property by deception under the theft Act 1968, s 15) were repealed and replaced by the Fraud Act 2006. The 2006 Act no longer uses the term “deception”, focussing instead on fraud by false representation, failure to disclose information, and abuse of position....

Civil fraud in England and Wales: definitions, heads of claim, defences, remedies, urgent relief, limitation and procedure; overlap with criminal proceedings and private prosecutions

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Practice notes

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Fraud—what is it?

Fraud is best understood as the purposeful use of deceit, misrepresentation or dishonest behaviour to deprive, to obtain a benefit or edge for a person or entity, or to inflict a loss on another (most often financial). That said, even when dishonesty lies at the heart of events, seeking a civil remedy does not always require proving dishonesty against some or all of those involved. The meaning of fraud differs between civil and criminal settings, and within each area the definition varies according to the particular claim or offence advanced. Fraud is committed by an individual, who may or may not be acting for a company. In any event, the consequences can be substantial for any business linked to that person, as well as for the victims of the fraud, whether private or corporate. Below are examples of recognised terms (not legal causes of action) that illustrate how broad the concept of fraud can be:

Advance fee fraud — fraud perpetrated by a demand up...

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Web page updated on 27/05/2026

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