When cash is stolen via deception rather than physical force, which term best describes this action?

The action described in the question involves the theft of cash through deceptive means rather than through the use of physical force. This scenario aligns closely with the definition of fraud, which is characterized by the intentional misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to deceive others for personal gain.

In this context, fraud can encompass a variety of schemes that manipulate individuals or organizations into relinquishing their money or property based on false information or deceitful practices. This is distinct from other terms such as burglary, which involves entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime, or robbery, which specifically denotes taking property from someone using force or the threat of force. Embezzlement refers to the misappropriation of funds entrusted to someone's care, particularly in a workplace situation, but it typically involves a prior legal right to access those funds.

Thus, when cash is taken through deceptive means, fraud is the most fitting term as it explicitly captures the essence of dishonesty and trickery involved in the act.