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

a person who performs confidence tricks

a fraudulent investment scam

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

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

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

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

confidence

trust or faith

root

trick

a deceptive act

root

English Dictionary