Which term refers to deliberate deceit in obtaining payments for services not provided?

The term that refers to deliberate deceit in obtaining payments for services not provided is fraud. Fraud involves intentional wrongdoing, where a person misrepresents the truth or conceals important information with the goal of benefiting financially. In the context of services, this could mean falsely claiming to have provided care or treatment when, in fact, no service was delivered, ultimately leading to financial gain through deceptive practices.

While misrepresentation also involves deception regarding the truth, it may not always imply a financial gain from a fraudulent act. Exploitation refers to taking unfair advantage of someone, often without skillful deceit involved, and abuse typically relates to the misuse of power or resources rather than financial misrepresentation. Thus, fraud is the most precise term for the scenario described, as it clearly encapsulates the intentional deceit for financial benefit related to services that were never rendered.