Is fraud stealing?
The Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 42, asks and answers your question as well:
110. Q. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
A. God forbids not only outright theft and robbery [1] but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury; [2] we must not defraud our neighbour in any way, whether by force or by show of right. [3] In addition God forbids all greed [4] and all abuse or squandering of his gifts. [5]
1. Exod. 22:1; 1 Cor. 5:9, 10; 6:9, 10.
2. Deut. 25:13-16; Psa. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9-12; Luke 6:35.
3. Mic. 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; Jas. 5:1-6.
4. Luke 12:15; Eph. 5:5.
5. Prov. 21:20; 23:20, 21; Luke 16:10-13.111. Q. What does God require of you in this commandment?
A. I must promote my neighbour's good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need. [1]
1. Isa. 58:5-10; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:9, 10; Eph. 4:28.
Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).