extortion -
The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
The mafia would go to a store, and say "We will make sure your store doesn't burn down if you give us money every month", in an obvious act of extortion.
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verb
finagle -
To get something in an indirect or dishonest way.
Brad didn't have a ticket to the sold-out rock concert, but he figured he could finagle his way in somehow.
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adjective
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Bandit -
A robber or outlaw, especially one who is part of a group and operates in remote or wild areas.
The sheriff put up many wanted posters, because he was determined to catch the bandit who had robbed several businnesses and banks in town.
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noun
scoundrel -
Someone who is dishonest. A villain who exploits others for his/ her own benefit.
Granny Perkins realized that the man who pretended to be her friend turned out to be a scoundrel who stole her belongings. .
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nounverb verb
scheme -
Make plans, especially in a devious way or with intent to do something illegal or wrong
The family butler was always polite, but in his mind he was always scheming how to steal the family's jewels.
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adjective
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Disingenuous -
Giving a false appearance of being truthful or genuine.
It was disingenuous of him to act surprised when he clearly knew what was going on
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noun
collusion -
Secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others
The secretive group gathered in an act of collusion to influence the presidential election.
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adjective
clandestine -
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit
CIA agents have to act in a clandestine manner to avoid detection.
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nounverb noun
swindle -
A fraudulent scheme or action
Some people think that the government taxing them is its own sort of swindle.
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verb
hoodwink -
Deceive or trick (someone)
The con man surveyed the crowd in order to find someone to hoodwink.
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noun
guise -
A deceptive appearance that is intended to deceive
Using the guise of helping older women, the thief was initially friendly and then robbed them.
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noun
imposter -
A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain
The man on the phone who was asking for money sounded like Emily's friend, but she thought he was probably an imposter.
