Swindle Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Swindle, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Swindle?

To intentionally cheat or trick someone for personal gain through deception, fraudualent acts, dishonesty, false deeds and statements. It is an offence in the eye of law which terms it as another form of theft. It can be anything to do with property, assets, or money which the swindler does not have ownership of.

History and Meaning of Swindle

The term "swindle" has been in use for centuries and refers to the act of cheating or deceiving someone for personal gain. It is considered a form of theft under the law and can involve false statements, deceitful acts, and fraudulent behavior. The origins of the word are uncertain, but some believe it may have come from the Old Norse word "svindlari," meaning a cheat or deceiver.

Examples of Swindle

  1. A businessman convinces investors to put money into a fake company, promising big returns, but instead uses the money for his personal expenses.
  2. A salesman tricks an elderly couple into buying a car worth much less than they paid for it by manipulating the paperwork and providing false information about the vehicle.
  3. A contractor takes a deposit from a homeowner for a renovation project, but never completes the work and disappears with the money.
  4. A man offers to sell a rare antique to a collector, but switches it out for a fake before completing the transaction.

Legal Terms Similar to Swindle

  1. Fraud - intentionally deceiving someone in order to gain an unfair advantage or benefit.
  2. Embezzlement - stealing money or property that has been entrusted to you by someone else.
  3. Theft - taking someone else's property without their permission or consent.