A charlatan is a person who pretends to have skills, knowledge, or qualifications that they do not actually possess. Often found in fields like medicine, finance, or self-help, charlatans deceive others for personal gain, such as money or fame. Their tactics may include using persuasive language, fake credentials, or misleading testimonials to convince people of their expertise. The term "charlatan" has historical roots, originally referring to street vendors in Italy who sold fake medicines. Today, it is commonly used to describe anyone who engages in fraudulent behavior or scams, undermining trust in legitimate professionals and services.