• A statutory offense emphasizing the appropriation of title to property through fraudulent representation. Syn. fraudulent pretenses. obtaining property by false pretenses.

Estafa is the equivalent crime in civil law systems; however, in contrast with false pretenses, most definitions of estafa are broader, usually referring to the appropriation arising from deceit or from taking advantage of a false perception, and resulting in unlawful gain. In some instances false pretenses is simply too narrowly defined to correspond to estafa, like when a person takes possession of the property rather than title to property wrongfully, in such case larceny by trick is likely to be a closer equivalent.

Related Terms:
deception, engaño; embezzlement, abuso de confianza apropiación indebida; intent to defraud, intención fraudulenta o de defraudar; larceny by trick, hurto mediante engaño; misrepresentation, afirmación o declaración falsa; swindle, estafa, timo; trickery, trampa, embuste.