Any act committed by a party to a contract, or with his connivance or by his agent with intent to deceive another party thereto or his agent, or to induce him to enter into a contract is said to be

Fraud under contract law requires an intent to deceive the other party or their agent to induce them into a contract. The key elements are: (1) act committed by a party or their agent, (2) intent to deceive, (3) purpose of inducing contract formation. This distinguishes fraud from misrepresentation (which lacks intent) and coercion (which involves threats).