Simple definition: Fraud is most simply defined as a
deception made for personal gain. While there are more specific legal meanings,
they may be different from one area of the country to another.
Legal definition: Fraud is any crime or civil wrong for gain that uses deception to commit the crime. Fraud occurs when a perpetrator deliberately deceives a victim for personal gain (i.e. to get property or services from him or her unjustly). Fraud can be accomplished through forgery, larceny or other methods. Fraudsters often utilize the mail, phone, or internet to commit fraud.
Acts which may constitute criminal fraud include identity theft, embezzlement,
forgery, false billings, false advertising, bait and switch, fause claims,
Ponzi schemes, and confidence tricks