scam
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The risk to individuals remains low but being a victim of a data breach increases the likelihood of being targeted in scams and fraud attacks.
From BBC
The agency said offshore call centers also raise risks related to the security of customers’ personal information, and have been known points of origin for robocalls and scams.
But he also recognises security and privacy issues and the dangers that those "who are not digitally literate can easily be scammed".
From BBC
Meta was told to create "easily identifiable indicators that distinguish AI content" to prevent "significant amounts of scam content".
From BBC
A report was made about the scam to Report Fraud while the couple also contacted their bank - but they have been told it is unlikely their money can be recovered.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
