Pretexting is a form of social engineering where an individual creates a fabricated scenario to obtain sensitive information from a target. This technique often involves impersonating someone the target trusts, such as a colleague or a service provider, to gain access to personal data like passwords or account numbers. This tactic is commonly used in identity theft and fraud. By establishing a false context, the pretexter manipulates the target into revealing confidential information, which can then be exploited for malicious purposes. Awareness of cybersecurity practices can help individuals protect themselves against such schemes.