false pretenses

noun plural | \ -ˈpre-ˌten-səz, -pri-ˈten- \ | false pre·tens·es

1. : false representations concerning past or present facts that are made with the intent to defraud another; also : the crime of obtaining title to another's property by false pretenses — compare larceny by trick at larceny, theft : the crime of obtaining title to another's property by false pretenses — compare larceny by trick at larceny, theft