bilk
definition
to cheat or defraud someone of money or something of value
example
The con artist managed to bilk unsuspecting investors out of millions of dollars by promising unrealistic returns.
synonyms
cheatdefraudswindle
word origin — The word 'bilk' originates from the early 17th century, likely derived from a dialect word from the Lincolnshire dialect meaning 'to cheat' or 'to escape,' and is believed to have links to the Old English word 'bilcan,' which means 'to deceive or cheat.'