scam

A dishonest plan or deal designed to trick people, usually to take their money.

• The email was a scam.
• She lost her savings in an investment scam.
• Police warned us about phone scams.

Similar words: swindle, fraud

Common phrases: online scam, investment scam, a scam

A product or service sold with dishonest claims about what it can do.

• That miracle cream is a scam.
• The expensive course turned out to be a scam.
• These weight-loss pills are just scams.

Similar words: rip-off

Common phrases: a total scam, another scam

To trick someone into accepting a dishonest deal.

• They tried to scam me.
• A fake travel company scammed hundreds of customers.
• Did that seller scam you into accepting the offer?

How to use it: scam someone into doing something (They scammed him into buying fake tickets.)

Similar words: swindle, deceive

Common phrases: scam someone, scam a buyer

To take money or property dishonestly, especially by tricking someone.

• They scammed him out of fifty dollars.
• The gang scammed money from elderly people.
• She was scammed out of her pension.

How to use it: scam someone out of something (They scammed her out of her savings.)

Similar words: defraud, swindle

Common phrases: scam someone, scam money