What term refers to the deliberate act of obtaining funds dishonestly?

The correct term that refers to the deliberate act of obtaining funds dishonestly is fraud. Fraud encompasses various deceptive practices that are aimed at securing an unfair or unlawful gain. It often involves misrepresentation or deceit to manipulate another party into relinquishing their money or property.

Fraud can take many forms, such as forging documents, misleading information in contracts, or impersonating others to obtain sensitive information or money. This term is broader than other options because it involves a scheme or a plan to trick someone, which is essential in distinguishing it from other dishonest acts.

While embezzlement refers specifically to the misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust, theft generally implies physically taking someone else's property without their permission. A scam, while related to fraudulent activities, is often more specific to a scheme that deceives individuals out of their money, typically in a more informal or less organized manner. Therefore, fraud is the most encompassing and accurate term for the deliberate act of obtaining funds dishonestly.