Cool Mateinformal2K
Scam
UK //skæm//US //skæm//
Definition
An act of deception to obtain money or personal information illegally.
In simple words: A trick to make someone give you money or personal information.
Examples
- He fell victim to a scam that promised easy money.
- Don't give out your bank details; it could be a scam.
- The radio warned listeners about an online scam targeting seniors.
- She reported the scam to the authorities immediately.
- Many people have been scammed by fake lottery tickets.
- The business was shut down due to its involvement in a scam.
Usage notes
Use 'scam' in casual conversations about dishonest practices. Avoid in formal or academic contexts.
Grammar pattern
scam + object
Memory hint
Think of 'scam' like 'scamper' - someone rushing away with your money.
Collocations
- online scam
- investment scam
- scam alert
- phishing scam
- credit card scam
Synonyms
- fraud
- con
- swindle
- rip-off
- cheat
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'scam' with 'scam artist' - a scam is the action, not the person.
- Using 'scam' as a noun without an object, e.g., 'They scam.' - it should be 'They scam people.'
- Overusing 'scam' in contexts where 'fraud' or 'con' is more appropriate.