Which of the following best defines fraud according to Missouri law?

Fraud, under Missouri law, is best defined as intentionally deceiving another party for personal gain. This definition encompasses the core elements of fraud, which include the intention to deceive and the act of gaining something of value, such as money or property, through false pretenses or misrepresentation. The intentional aspect is crucial, as it differentiates fraudulent acts from accidental misconduct.

In the context of fraud, the perpetrator must have knowingly made false statements or representations with the intent that the victim relies on them, leading to a financial or personal benefit to the wrongdoer. This aligns with the general legal understanding of fraud, which is rooted in the concept of deception for the purpose of unjust enrichment at another's expense.

Exploring the other options provides clarity as to why they do not sufficiently define fraud in the context of Missouri law. Using someone else's identity falls under identity theft, which is a specific form of fraud but does not encompass all fraudulent actions. Failure to report income relates to tax fraud or evasion, and although it involves deception, it is a narrower category that does not represent the broader definition of fraud itself. Negligence in transactions is more about a failure to act responsibly or with due care, which does not include the intentional deceit