law

misrepresentation

Misrepresentation is a false or misleading statement, or a concealment of a material fact, that another party relies on. It can be intentional, which is fraud, or negligent, when the speaker should have known the statement was false. Misrepresentation can make a contract voidable by the injured party and can expose an agent to damages and license discipline. Mere opinion or sales talk, called puffing, is generally not misrepresentation.