Scammed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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scammed
[skæmd ]
Definition
fraudulent act
To be scammed means to be deceived or tricked into giving away money or personal information. This often involves a con artist or scammer who uses manipulation or false representations to exploit the victim's trust or naivety. Scams can take various forms, including phishing emails, fake lottery winnings, or fraudulent investment schemes. The experience can leave individuals feeling violated and distrusting of others. It's important to recognize the signs of a scam to protect oneself from future deception.
Synonyms
cheated, conned, defrauded, duped.
Examples of usage
- I was scammed by an online seller.
- Many people have been scammed by phishing emails.
- She lost her savings after being scammed.
- He felt embarrassed after realizing he had been scammed.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- The infamous Ponzi scheme, named after Charles Ponzi in the 1920s, is one of the most famous types of scams that promised high returns to early investors, leading to many people losing their money.
- In the medieval period, scams such as money lending at exorbitant rates were common, often referred to as 'usury'.
Psychology
- Scams often rely on psychological principles such as loss aversion, where people are more motivated to avoid losses than to acquire gains.
- Trust plays a significant role; scammers often build rapport before deceiving their victims, exploiting their emotions and perceptions.
Technology
- With the rise of the internet, scams have taken new forms, including phishing emails designed to trick people into revealing personal information.
- Cybersecurity experts estimate billions of dollars are lost annually to online scams, highlighting the importance of digital literacy.
Pop Culture
- Scams have been popularized in movies, with films like 'Catch Me If You Can' showcasing real-life con artists and their deceptive practices.
- Television shows often recreate famous scams, helping viewers learn how to recognize potential fraud.
Origin of 'scammed'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated in the 1920s as a slang term, likely derived from the word 'scamp', meaning to cheat or defraud.
- Initially used in relation to con artists, it evolved into broader usage for various types of deceit.
The term 'scam' originated in the early 20th century in the United States, believed to be a contraction of the word 'scandal'. It was first recorded in print in the 1910s, referring to a scheme or trick that deceives someone. The word gained popularity in the 1920s with the rise of organized crime and various confidence tricks that targeted unsuspecting victims. Over the years, its meaning has broadened to encompass any act of deceit for the purpose of financial gain. The evolution of scams has paralleled advancements in technology, leading to an increase in online scams in the 21st century, such as identity theft and internet fraud. As awareness of these issues has grown, so too has the usage of the term, highlighting the pervasive nature of deceit in everyday life.