false pretences

plural noun

1. criminal law a former name for deception See obtaining by deception

2. a similar misrepresentation used to obtain anything, such as trust or affection (esp in the phrase under false pretences )

Example Sentences

They said they had been sold the properties under false pretences and cheated out of their life savings by David Welch - the director of Exclusive Resorts Ltd.

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The SFO closed his complaint one day after receiving it, the documents show, and the company was allowed to continue raising money under false pretences until it collapsed with debts of £170m in April 2023.

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"He’s who we wanted to see. They got us there under false pretences," she added.

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They too say that when they arrived the jobs seemed non-existent and believe that they were hired under false pretences.

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The couple alleges it was done under false pretences.

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