---
type: "term"
title: "Pretexting"
description: "A social engineering technique where an attacker creates a fabricated scenario (pretext) to manipulate a target into divulging information or performing actions."
resource: "tlctc:term:pretexting"
tags:
  - "glossary"
---
# Pretexting

A social engineering technique where an attacker creates a fabricated scenario (pretext) to manipulate a target into divulging information or performing actions. In TLCTC: maps to `#9 Social Engineering` — the generic vulnerability is human psychological factors (trust, authority bias). Pretexting is a sub-threat of `#9`; any subsequent technical steps map to their own clusters.

**Reference:** V1.9.1 Buzz-Word Refinement (#9)

See also: Social Engineering (#9), Phishing