A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason
the rebels had the perfect pretext for making their move
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
guise: an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"
A pretext is an excuse to do something or say something. Pretexts may be based on a half-truth or developed in the context of a misleading fabrication. Pretexts have been used to conceal the true purpose or rationale behind actions and words.
(Pretexts) Social engineering is the act of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information, rather than by breaking in or using technical cracking techniques; essentially a fancier, more technical way of lying. ...
To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else
A ruse, lie or deceit most often used by a PI to elicit information from someone who would not have otherwise willingly assisted the investigator.
Contacting a business or individual with a false identity in an attempt to gain information or manipulate the business or individual. Often the person initiating the pretext has some information (such as a Social Security Number) that they will use in order to verify their false identity.