What is the broad definition of fraud?

The broad definition of fraud encompasses actions that involve illegal activities characterized by theft or deception. This definition highlights the intentional act of misleading or misrepresenting information for personal gain or causing harm to others, which can manifest in various forms, such as financial fraud, identity theft, or investment scams.

Fraud fundamentally undermines trust in economic transactions and is recognized legally to protect individuals and society from deceptive practices. Understanding this definition is crucial for investigators as it guides them in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraudulent activities effectively.

The other choices do not align with the concept of fraud; they either depict lawful transactions, misconstrued as deceptive practices, or neutral activities in business that lack any indication of criminal intent.