In common law jurisdictions, as a civil wrong, fraud is a tort.

While the precise definitions and requirements of proof

vary among jurisdictions, the requisite elements of fraud as a tort generally are the intentional misrepresentation or
concealment of an important fact upon which the victim is meant to rely, and in fact does rely, to the harm of the
victim.[3] Proving fraud in a court of law is often said to be difficult as the intention to defraud is the key element in
question.[4] As such, proving fraud comes with a "greater evidentiary burden than other civil claims." This difficulty is
exacerbated by the fact that some jurisdictions require the victim to prove fraud by clear and convincing evidence.[5]
The remedies for fraud may include rescission (i.e., reversal) of a fraudulently obtained agreement or transaction, the
recovery of a monetary award to compensate for the harm caused, punitive damages to punish or deter the
misconduct, and possibly others.[6]
In cases of a fraudulently induced contract, fraud may serve as a defense in a civil action for breach of
contract or specific performance of contract. Similarly, fraud may serve as a basis for a court to invoke its equitable
jurisdiction.