What is pretexting defined as?

Pretexting is defined as the act of impersonating someone else or making false statements in order to obtain sensitive information or access to data that would otherwise be restricted. This tactic is frequently used in fraud investigations and security breaches, where the impersonator may pose as a legitimate entity or individual to deceive the target into disclosing confidential information.

Understanding pretexting is crucial in the context of fraud examinations because it highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to obtain information through deception. This method raises ethical and legal concerns, as it often involves violating the trust of others and can lead to significant consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of pretexting. Valid consent gathering refers to obtaining permission from an individual before accessing their personal information, which is fundamentally different from the deceit involved in pretexting. Collecting credible information refers to methods of gathering data that are ethically and legally sound, while validating evidence authenticity deals with verifying the legitimacy of evidence rather than the means of gathering it.