New Hampshire § 637-4 - Section 637:4 Theft by Deception.

Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 637-4 — Section 637:4 Theft by Deception., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 637-4. Section 637:4 Theft by Deception.

I. A person commits theft if he obtains or exercises control over property of another by deception and with a purpose to deprive him thereof. II. For the purposes of this section, deception occurs when a person purposely: (a) Creates or reinforces an impression which is false and which that person does not believe to be true, including false impressions as to law, value, knowledge, opinion, intention or other state of mind. Provided, however, that an intention not to perform a promise, or knowledge that it will not be performed, shall not be inferred from the fact alone that the promise was not performed; or (b) Fails to correct a false impression which he previously had created or reinforced and which he did not believe to be true, or which he knows to be influencing another to whom he stands in a fiduciary or confidential relationship; or (c) Prevents another from acquiring information which is pertinent to the disposition of the property involved; or (d) Fails to disclose a known lien, adverse claim or other legal impediment to the enjoyment of property which he transfers or encumbers in consideration for the property obtained, whether such impediment is or is not valid, or is or is not a matter of official record; or (e) Misrepresents to or misleads any person, in any manner, so as to make that person believe that the person on whose behalf a solicitation or sales promotion is being conducted is a charitable trust or that the proceeds of such solicitation or sales promotion shall be used for charitable purposes, if such is not the fact; or (f) Uses misrepresentation or cheats at any game conducted under RSA 287-D to obtain anything of value including money. III. Theft by deception does not occur, however, when there is only falsity as to matters having no pecuniary significance, or puffing by statements unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed. "Puffing" means an exaggerated commendation of wares in communications addressed to the public or to a class or group. IV. A person commits theft under this section notwithstanding that the victim has suffered no actual or net pecuniary loss.

Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 637-4

What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 637-4 cover?

Section 637-4 ("Section 637:4 Theft by Deception.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Hampshire § 637-4?

A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 637-4" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.

How does New Hampshire § 637-4 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.