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Scam Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scam

[skæm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

online fraud

A dishonest scheme or fraud typically carried out for personal gain, often through deceptive means such as phishing emails or fake websites.

Synonyms

deception, fraud, swindle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scam

Use when referring to a scheme or trick designed to cheat people, often used informally.

  • He fell for an online scam and lost a lot of money
  • The email was obviously a scam
fraud

Use in legal or formal contexts to describe a deliberate act of deceit intended to result in financial or personal gain.

  • He was charged with bank fraud
  • Insurance fraud is a serious crime
swindle

Use when describing a fraudulent scheme or act, especially one involving clever tricks or lies, can be used both formally and informally.

  • They were swindled out of their life savings
  • The swindle was cleverly executed
deception

Use when describing the act of deceiving someone, often in a more general sense and can be used formally.

  • Her deception was eventually uncovered
  • The magician's performance relied heavily on deception

Examples of usage

  • Be careful with emails asking for your personal information, it could be a scam.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a scam.
  • The elderly are often targeted by phone scams.
  • Many people have fallen victim to online scams.
  • She lost all her savings in an investment scam.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Victims of scams may experience feelings of shame and embarrassment, which can prevent them from reporting the crime.
  • Scam artists often exploit emotions such as fear or greed to manipulate victims into making hasty decisions.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, phishing scams have become prevalent, tricking people into revealing personal information via fake emails.
  • Social media platforms have created new avenues for scams, where users may encounter fake profiles and misleading advertisements.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often dramatize scams, portraying clever con artists and their intricate schemes, capturing audience fascination.
  • The 2003 film 'Catch Me If You Can' showcases the life of a real-life con artist, highlighting the allure and consequences of deception.

Legislation

  • To combat scams, many countries have implemented laws that target fraudsters, including stricter penalties for financial crimes.
  • Consumer protection agencies actively work to educate the public about common scams and the importance of vigilance.

Origin of 'scam'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'scam' is believed to have originated from the 1920s slang, combining 'scam' with 'scheme,' meaning an often dishonest plot.
  • It was widely used to describe fraudulent activities in the 1970s, becoming popular in discussions around crime and deception.

The word 'scam' originated in the late 1960s as a slang term meaning a swindle or fraud. It is believed to have derived from the term 'scamp', which means a rascal or rogue. Over time, 'scam' has become widely used to describe various fraudulent schemes, especially in the context of online scams and cybercrime.

See also: scammer, scammers.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,752, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.