A scheme, in the context of conspiracy, refers to a secret plan or agreement between two or more individuals to commit an unlawful act. These plans often involve deceit and manipulation, aiming to achieve a specific goal that typically benefits the conspirators at the expense of others. Conspiracy schemes can range from minor offenses to serious crimes, such as fraud, theft, or even terrorism. Legal systems often treat conspiracies seriously, as the mere agreement to commit a crime can lead to charges, even if the crime itself has not been carried out.