Scammers: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used in general conversations and media to describe people who use deceit to take money or personal information from others, often online.

• Be careful when sharing your personal information online; there are many scammers out there.
• He received a call from a scammer pretending to be from the IRS.

This term is frequently used in legal or formal contexts, such as news reports or official documents, to describe people involved in serious and often large-scale fraudulent activities.

• The company was brought down by a group of fraudsters who had been embezzling funds for years.
• Authorities are cracking down on fraudsters who exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems.

This term has an old-fashioned or literary feel and is often used in historical contexts or in books to describe people who use deception to cheat others out of money or valuable goods.

• The detective novel tells the story of a swindler who tricked people into investing in a fake business.
• In the 19th century, many travelers fell victim to swindlers at the bustling train stations.

This term is often used in more dramatic or detailed storytelling, such as in movies, books, or news reports, to describe individuals who engage in elaborate schemes to deceive others, particularly involving gaining their trust first.

• The movie is about a con artist who tricks wealthy individuals into giving him their money.
• Con artists often use charm and manipulation to carry out their schemes.