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pretexting

British  
/ ˈpriːtɛkstɪŋ /

noun

  1. the practice of deceiving individuals into surrendering personal information for fraudulent purposes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Spies, private investigators, criminals, and even some journalists have long used false identities to trick people into providing information, a practice known as pretexting.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 11, 2019

In the United States, such action would surely lead to civil liability and potentially criminal prosecution for violating statutes that deal specifically with pretexting to access information by an unauthorized individual.

From Forbes • Dec. 13, 2012

“There was a residue of mistrust because of the pretexting scandal,” said Mr. Bianco, who added, “I conclude in the book that he lacks the moral character to be C.E.O.”

From New York Times • Aug. 14, 2010

"HARD-CHARGING" Holston was appointed general counsel of HP in 2007, months after heading up an independent probe into the so-called pretexting scandal in 2006.

From Reuters • Aug. 13, 2010

Abu Bakr, pretexting the ties of blood uniting victors and vanquished, was of opinion that a ransom should be accepted.

From The Life of Mohammad The Prophet of Allah by Dinet, Etienne

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