Scammers: meaning, definitions and examples

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scammers

[ˈskæmərz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

online fraud

Scammers are people who use dishonest schemes to deceive others, often for financial gain. They can be found in various forms such as email scams, phone scams, or social media scams. Scammers often target vulnerable individuals and use persuasive tactics to trick them into giving away personal information or money.

Synonyms

con artists, fraudsters, swindlers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scammers	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.
fraudsters	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.
swindlers	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.
con artists	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.

Examples of usage

Be careful not to fall for the scammers pretending to be from your bank asking for your account details.
If you receive a suspicious email asking for money, it's likely from scammers trying to trick you.
Many scammers operate by pretending to be a charity organization to gain people's trust.
Scammers often create fake profiles on dating websites to manipulate unsuspecting individuals.
There are online forums where people share their experiences of being scammed by fraudsters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'scam' is believed to originate from 'scamp', a term used in the 1910s to describe a trickster.
Early records of similar terms date back to the 18th century, indicating the long history of deceitful practices.
In the 21st century, the term has evolved with technology, often involving online schemes.

Psychology

Studies indicate that scammers often exploit emotions, creating a sense of urgency to provoke quick, uninformed decisions.
Social vulnerability plays a major role; individuals who are lonely or trustful may be more susceptible to scams.
Scammers often use misinformation and social engineering techniques to manipulate potential victims.

Technology

With the rise of the internet, online scams have surged, including phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent social media profiles.
Tech advancements have allowed scammers to automate their approaches, launching mass-scale scams in mere seconds.
Cybersecurity measures are constantly evolving to counteract the tactics used by scammers, but new schemes frequently emerge.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows often portray scammers, from charming con artists to digitally savvy hackers, highlighting the complexities of deception.
The sting operation format seen in various series has captivated audiences, focusing on scams and their detection.
Worldwide cases of scams have inspired documentaries that educate viewers on identifying and avoiding deception.

Legal Aspects

Most countries have laws specifically targeting fraud, providing measures to protect individuals and prosecute scammers.
Regulatory bodies often issue warnings and updates about prevalent scam trends to keep the public informed.
Scamming is increasingly recognized as a serious crime, with growing penalties reflecting its impact on victims and society.

Translations

Translations of the word "scammers" in other languages:

🇵🇹 golpistas

🇮🇳 धोखेबाज

🇩🇪 Betrüger

🇮🇩 penipu

🇺🇦 шахраї

🇵🇱 oszuści

🇯🇵 詐欺師

🇫🇷 escrocs

🇪🇸 estafadores

🇹🇷 dolandırıcılar

🇰🇷 사기꾼

🇸🇦 محتالون

🇨🇿 podvodníci

🇸🇰 podvodníci

🇨🇳 骗子

🇸🇮 goljufi

🇮🇸 svindlarar

🇰🇿 алаяқтар

🇬🇪 თაღლითები

🇦🇿 dələduzlar

🇲🇽 estafadores