Tort of deceit
Updated 2026-09-29
The tort of deceit is a civil wrong that happens when someone makes a false statement, knowing it is false or being reckless about whether it is true, intending you to act on it, and you suffer loss as a result. It is the main legal basis for suing a scammer directly.
When it matters
Almost every scam fits this pattern: a false promise, such as guaranteed investment returns, made to get you to pay. This is usually the cause of action behind a civil claim against a scammer, and proving it means showing what was said, that it was false, and that you relied on it. Keep every message and screenshot, since this evidence is central to the claim.
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