- something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
- guise: an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"
- A pretext is an excuse to do something or say something. Pretexts may be based on a half-truth or developed in the context of a misleading fabrication. Pretexts have been used to conceal the true purpose or rationale behind actions and words.
- (Pretexts) Social engineering is the act of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information, rather than by breaking in or using technical cracking techniques; essentially a fancier, more technical way of lying. ...
- To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else
- A ruse, lie or deceit most often used by a PI to elicit information from someone who would not have otherwise willingly assisted the investigator.
- Contacting a business or individual with a false identity in an attempt to gain information or manipulate the business or individual. Often the person initiating the pretext has some information (such as a Social Security Number) that they will use in order to verify their false identity.