Penal Code section 415
Updated 2026-09-29
Section 415 of the Penal Code is the definition section that sets out what counts as cheating: deceiving someone so they hand over property, or deceiving them into doing or not doing something they would not otherwise have done, causing harm. It underpins the more commonly charged section 420.
When it matters
This section explains the legal definition behind most scam prosecutions, even though the actual charge is usually filed under a more specific section. Understanding it can help you describe your case clearly when giving a statement to CCID, since matching your account to these elements strengthens the investigation.
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