In criminal law, property is obtained by false pretenses when the acquisition results from intentional misrepresenting of a past or existing fact.

What is an example of false pretense?

An example of False Pretenses occurs when the defendant tells the victim that he will trade his expensive Rolex watch for the victim's sport's car. ... When the defendant obtains possession and ownership of the sport's car, he has committed the crime of False Pretenses.

What is considered false pretense?

Under common law, a defendant commits the crime of false pretenses when by making an intentional statement with intent to defraud the victim he obtains title to the personal property of the victim.