What does scam mean?
A scam is a dishonest scheme designed to deceive people, usually in order to obtain money, personal information, or some other advantage. It may involve a fake investment, an impersonation of a government or business, a fraudulent online shop, or a convincing telephone call. As a verb, 'to scam' means to deceive or defraud someone. The word is common in British and American English and often appears in combinations such as 'online scam,' 'scam call,' and 'scam artist.' Because many scams are carefully designed to appear legitimate, the term also serves as a reminder to verify unexpected requests and to avoid sending money or sensitive information without independently checking the contact or organization involved.
A fraudulent or deceptive scheme or trick, especially one intended to obtain money, personal information, or another advantage.
"The online advertisement was part of an elaborate scam targeting elderly customers."
Common in both formal reporting and informal conversation; often specifically refers to fraud or attempted fraud involving an individual or organization.
To deceive or defraud someone, especially by obtaining money or personal information through dishonest means.
"The fraudster attempted to scam investors by promising guaranteed returns."
Usually transitive and strongly negative; 'scam someone' is common, while 'scam' can also be used informally to mean deceive or cheat.
The plural is 'scams,' as in 'reports of online scams.'
"Several common scams target people who have recently lost a job."
A scam may arrive by email, text message, phone call, social media, or even a convincing website, making it a reminder to verify requests before sending money or personal information.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scam come from?
The word 'scam' is an English word of uncertain origin, used since the eighteenth century in senses connected with cheating and swindling. Its early history is difficult to trace securely, and it should not be assumed to derive from any one clearly identifiable foreign word. Modern usage broadened with the spread of telephone, mail, and internet-based fraud, although the basic sense of dishonest deception has remained stable.
Related word forms
How scam is actually used
The term is informal but widely used in everyday British and American English, especially for telephone, email, online, and consumer fraud. It can be used attributively, as in 'scam calls' and 'scam artists,' and may imply either financial loss or attempted deception.
Easily confused with scam
A scam is necessarily deceptive and intended to deceive, whereas a scheme may be a legitimate plan or arrangement.
Fraud commonly involves deception for financial or legal advantage, while a scam often refers to the scheme or trick itself.