scam

American  

[skam] / skæm /

noun

1. a confidence game or other fraudulent scheme, especially for making a quick profit; swindle.

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verb (used with object)

scammed, scamming

1. to cheat or defraud with a scam.

scam British  

/ skæm /

noun

1. a stratagem for gain; a swindle

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verb

1. (tr) to swindle (someone) by means of a trick

Usage

What does scam mean? A scam is a deceptive scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of something, especially money.Scam is also a verb meaning to cheat someone in such a way.Example: Banks will never call you asking for your credit card number or social security number over the phone. If someone calls and asks for information like that, it’s a scam.

Other Word Forms

• scammer noun

Etymology

Origin of scam

1960–65; originally carnival argot; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Just as AI can personalize the ads you see online, bad actors are using it to glean personal information that enables them to create custom-tailored scams quickly and on a large scale.

From The Wall Street Journal

But experts say fear persists, which has been worsened by widespread media reports and a blockbuster movie about internet scam networks run by criminal groups across the region.

From Barron's

For three nights after the first attacks, the bosses forced them to work their regular 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. shift, sending scam messages to men in Russia and the Middle East, the men said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Authorities in the US and South Korea have warned about Pyongyang's operatives carrying out online scams.

From BBC

China's reaction to the military takeover was initially muted, but the explosion of internet scam centres along the China-Myanmar border threw a lever.

From Barron's

Related Words

• blackmail
• deceit
• deception
• extortion
• fraud
• hoax
• racket
• ripoff
• shakedown
• sham