as in fraud
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
that's just a scam to bilk insurance companies for staged accidents
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scam
As the underground industry of crypto investment scams has grown into one of the world's most lucrative forms of cybercrime, the secondary market of money launderers for those scammers has grown to match it.
—
Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 13 May 2025
In our survey, 57.1% of users relied on 2FA as their only technical countermeasure against rug pulls – scams where project creators suddenly withdraw funds – and 49.3% did so for smart contract exploits.
—Mingyi Liu, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
Fraudsters typically target individuals seeking more affordable health care plans, and the scams often begin with unsolicited calls, text messages, or emails.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
Apparently, the Administration doesn't want anyone to be exposed to data that might challenge its narrative that climate change is a scam.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scam
Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 13 May 2025
In our survey, 57.1% of users relied on 2FA as their only technical countermeasure against rug pulls – scams where project creators suddenly withdraw funds – and 49.3% did so for smart contract exploits.
—Mingyi Liu, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
Fraudsters typically target individuals seeking more affordable health care plans, and the scams often begin with unsolicited calls, text messages, or emails.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
Apparently, the Administration doesn't want anyone to be exposed to data that might challenge its narrative that climate change is a scam.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam
Noun
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Bonnie Cash/Getty Images The Department of Government Efficiency is continuing its attempts to expand its reach beyond executive branch agencies, this time seeking to embed in an independent legislative watchdog that finds waste, fraud and abuse in the government.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
16 May 2025
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The suspect was arrested in Florida in March on robbery and fraud charges, before being extradited to Louisiana, the news agency stated.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Speaking of bandits, Leland Stanford famously jumpstarted his profits from miners into even greater swindles as a railroad baron, California Governor, and US Senator.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Apr. 2025
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Then, speaking of swindles, Jeffrey Toobin explains why no one can stop Trump from handing out pardons.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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For every intentionally funny moment, there seems to be another joke at someone’s expense, such as Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie needing 40 seconds to (mostly) name his eight kids or Rams defensive end William Hayes insisting dinosaurs are a hoax, but mermaids are real.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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For more on Sherri Papini's kidnapping hoax, subscribe now to PEOPLE, or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday.—
Johnny Dodd,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Analyze and compare training options To evaluate the pros and cons of each training program, this four-step checklist includes a useful rubric.—
Jean Eddy,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Read our full test and review of more than a dozen stainless steel skillets The best sauté pan: The All-Clad D3 3-quart sauté pan All-Clad D3 3 Quart Sauté Pan $180 $150 Amazon Pros & cons Specs Next verse, same as the first.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 May 2025
Noun
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In 2021 and 2022, Robinson received about $76,000 through the bogus billing scheme, according to prosecutors.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2025
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Hometown’s stock price rose by more than 900% during the scheme.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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