Originally Posted by
Often1
It becomes a fraud (think wire fraud if you booked over the internet or by phone) if you booked the AAA-BBB-CCC with the intent to actuall defraud the carrier out of the $100. That's the OP situation here.
except, as AA states, it is not a criminal issue. Therefore intent does not come in to it to prove fraud or otherwise
It is a simple breach of contract, which either happens or doesn't. It is then for the airline to determine if it wishes to seek damages for that breach.