What term describes an act intended to fool or deceive others?

The term that accurately describes an act intended to fool or deceive others is "hoax." A hoax typically involves a deliberate and often elaborate ruse designed to trick people into believing something that is not true. It often aims to create a sensation or provoke a reaction, making it more theatrical or elaborate than simple trickery.

While "fraud" refers to wrongful or criminal deception intended for personal gain, and "deception" encompasses any act of misleading or tricking others, a hoax is specifically crafted to fool a wider audience and is often more public and extravagant. "Myth," on the other hand, generally refers to traditional stories or legends instead of acts of deception. Thus, hoax is the most fitting term for an act explicitly aimed at deceiving others.