Deception is an act or statement that misleads, hides the truth, or promotes a belief, concept, or idea that is not true. It is often done for personal gain or advantage, and can involve dissimulation, propaganda, and sleight of hand. Deception is a major relational transgression that often leads to feelings of betrayal and distrust between relational partners. It violates relational rules and is considered to be a negative violation of expectations. Examples of deception range from false statements to misleading claims in which relevant information is omitted, leading the receiver to infer false conclusions. Deception itself is intentionally managing verbal or nonverbal messages so that the message receiver will believe in a way that the message sender knows is false. Intent is critical with regard to deception, as it differentiates between deception and an honest mistake. Some forms of deception include:

• Lying
• Concealing information
• Misleading
• Impersonation
• Exaggeration
• Understatement
• False promises
• Misdirection

Deception can have serious consequences, such as the loss of trust and credibility, and can lead to legal and ethical issues. It is important to be aware of the signs of deception and to practice honesty and transparency in all interactions.