confidence trick

noun

1. a swindle involving money, goods, etc, in which the victim's trust is won by the swindler Informal shortened formscon trickUS and Canadiancon game

Example Sentences

Investigators are trying to figure out if the fraudsters research their victims or whether they are using a confidence trick.

From BBC

“Before creating the show I’d read 20 books on confidence tricks,” Jordan wrote in an email.

From New York Times

At the same time money is a confidence trick: an i.o.u. printed on cheap material that promises the holder nothing but more paper money.

From New York Times

As a filial bonus, he demonstrates a confidence trick involving three coins.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Williams added: "So that's something I worry about a bit more, the idea that there are people who genuinely believe climate change is a huge confidence trick."

From BBC