What is one key difference between fraud and malingering?

The correct choice highlights that malingering specifically refers to the act of fabricating or exaggerating physical or psychological disorders for a secondary gain, such as obtaining financial compensation, avoiding work, or obtaining medication. This behavior involves a deliberate misrepresentation of one's health status, distinguishing it from other medical or psychological issues that may actually be legitimate.

In contrast, fraud in general can encompass a wider array of deceptive practices beyond just health-related misrepresentation. While malingering is a specific type of deception, it falls under the broader category of fraudulent behavior since it aims for personal benefit through deceit. The nuances between these terms are significant: while both involve dishonesty, the motivations and contexts differ.

Understanding this distinction is important in fields like healthcare, law, and insurance, as it helps professionals identify appropriate responses to suspected cases of malingering and fraud.