term:

False Pretenses

false pretenses n pl

: 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

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.