Scam

/skæm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A fraudulent scheme or deception designed to con someone out of money or valuables.

The elderly woman fell victim to a phone scam that promised her a cash prize.

An act or instance of fraud.

The investment scam left many people in financial ruin.

A trick or con that aims to cheat someone.

He warned his friends about the latest online scam targeting young students.

verb

To cheat or defraud someone, especially by means of a deceptive scheme.

They scammed him out of his savings by pretending to be a legitimate charity.

Origin uncertain; possibly derived from 'scamp' or from 'scamper' with unknown influence.

get scammed

to be tricked or deceived, especially financially.

scam artist

a person who engages in scams.

scam alert

a warning about potential scams.

pull a scam

to conduct a scam or deception.

Internet scam

a scam that occurs online, often involving false marketing or phishing.

fraud

Wrongful or criminal deception intended for financial or personal gain.

deception

The act of deceiving someone.

con artist

A person who tricks others by convincing them to believe something that is not true.

To scam someone.

He totally scammed me out of my money!

Getting scammed.

Don't get scammed, do your research first.

Scamming you.

They're just scamming you for your cash.