confidence trick

/ˈkɒnfɪdəns trɪk/
a fraudulent scheme

The scammer ran a confidence trick to steal money from unsuspecting victims.

The scammer used deception to trick people into giving him money.


Law
informal

A dishonest plan or scheme designed to trick people into giving money or information, often by gaining their trust.

The con artist used a confidence trick to sell fake investments to wealthy clients.

The scammer convinced people to invest in non-existent projects.

She fell for a confidence trick where she was promised a large inheritance.

She was deceived into believing she would receive money from a fake relative.

Also known as a 'con' or 'scam'.

Collocations

run a confidence trickto carry out a fraudulent schemefall for a confidence trickto be deceived by a scam

Related Phrases

con artistphrase
a person who performs confidence tricks
Ponzi schemephrase
a fraudulent investment scam

Pro Tip

Recognizing Confidence Tricks

Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true or requests for personal information.

Gold Rule

Legal Consequences

Perpetrating a confidence trick is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

Word Origin

From 'confidence' (trust) and 'trick' (deception), referring to gaining trust to deceive.

Usage Notes

Common in discussions about fraud, crime, and deception. Often used in informal contexts.

Word Breakdown

confidence
trust or faith
root
+
trick
a deceptive act
root
English Dictionary