General:
* Deception: This is a broad term that encompasses any act of misleading someone.
* Fraud: This implies a deliberate act of dishonesty intended to gain something of value unfairly.
* Duplicity: This refers to the act of being deceitful and hypocritical, often by saying or doing one thing while secretly intending another.
* Machination: This refers to a cunning or scheming plan, often involving deception.
More specific:
* Prevarication: This specifically refers to the act of evading the truth by making misleading statements.
* Fabrication: This describes the act of creating a false story or information.
* Misinformation: This refers to the spread of false or misleading information, often with the intent to deceive.
* Disinformation: This is a more specific type of misinformation, designed to mislead or confuse people and often spread by governments or organizations.
More dramatic:
* Treachery: This implies a betrayal of trust, often with a malicious intent.
* Guile: This refers to cunning and deceitful behavior, often used to manipulate others.
* Subterfuge: This involves the use of trickery or deception to achieve a goal.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the level of detail you want to convey.