Synonyms for

Scam

Verb / skæm / Another word for scam — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A dishonest scheme or fraud.

Synonyms & similar words

bunco hornswoggle con diddle defraud nobble victimize mulct rook gip gyp cozenage shortchange swindle goldbrick fraud hoax swindle deception trickery cheat deceit ruse ploy trick con sham fake imposture dupe hoodwink double-dealing chicanery artifice subterfuge

Synonyms by register

Formal

fraud deception ruse artifice

Informal

rip-off con hoax trick

Literary

legerdemain chicanery stratagem

Antonyms

honesty legitimacy truth authenticity fairness integrity genuineness

Common collocations

  • run a scam
  • fall for a scam
  • online scam
  • phone scam
  • investment scam
  • avoid a scam
  • report a scam

Word family

noun scam
verb scam
adjective scammy

Usage note

Scam is primarily used as a noun referring to a fraudulent scheme, but it can also be used as a verb. The adjective 'scammy' is informal.

Example sentences

  1. The email I received was a scam to steal my personal information.
  2. The company was caught running a scam to take people's money.
  3. My brother tried to scam me out of my allowance.
  4. The salesman was running a scam to sell fake products.
  5. The police arrested the man for running a scam operation.

Quotes

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam.
  • A scam is only successful if people fall for it.
  • It's important to be cautious and aware of potential scams.

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