Which term describes the act of intentionally misleading someone for personal gain?

The act of intentionally misleading someone for personal gain is best described as fraud. This term encapsulates actions where deceit is employed to bring about a financial or personal benefit, often at the expense of another party. Fraud can occur in various contexts, such as financial transactions, insurance claims, or medical billing, where individuals or organizations misrepresent the truth to achieve an undeserved advantage.

In contrast, the other terms do not pertain to misleading behavior aimed at personal gain. Assault refers to an intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent harmful or offensive contact, whereas battery involves the actual physical act of harm. Invasion of privacy involves unauthorized access or intrusion into someone’s personal life or space, but it does not inherently involve deceit or misrepresentation meant to benefit oneself. This distinction highlights why fraud is the most appropriate answer in this context.