false pretenses

American  

plural noun

1. a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, as to obtain title to money or property.

2. the use of such misrepresentation.

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Etymology

Origin of false pretenses

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Levant’s guest appearance comes courtesy of a medical furlough that June arranged under false pretenses.

From Los Angeles Times

People sneak around, hide, misrepresent themselves, connect under mistaken or false pretenses.

From Los Angeles Times

The Justice Department has also accused of Michel of opening bank accounts under false pretenses while cooperating with Low.

From Los Angeles Times

Rusesabagina was lured back to Rwanda under false pretenses and jailed on terrorism charges before his release last week.

From Seattle Times

Rolle was charged with one count of bribery and 14 counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretenses.

From Reuters