Synonyms of scams

scams

noun

plural of scam

as in frauds

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frauds
• swindles
• hoaxes
• cons
• schemes
• hustles
• devices
• shell games
• stings
• fiddles
• tricks
• flimflams
• counterfeits
• buncos
• rackets
• Ponzi schemes
• crosses
• pyramid schemes
• rip-offs
• fixes
• stratagems
• forgeries
• fakes
• ploys
• wiles
• dodges
• sleights
• jigs
• gimmicks
• phonies
• shams
• humbug
• thimblerigs
• three-card montes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scams

In addition, 59% reported an impact on their mental well-being, and more than half experienced repeat scams. — Angela Ramos, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

That included conversations about things like cyberbullying, online scams, Instagram filters, and privacy issues. — Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026

In 2025, according to the FBI, victims lost more than $333 million in crypto ATM scams, with 85% of the victims being seniors. — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a guide on how to avoid donation scams. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026

Victims have lost tens of billions to scams carried out by hundreds of thousands of people forced to keep the schemes going. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit –trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

In December, Vance amplified a YouTube video of a popular right-wing influencer accusing child-care providers, many of them immigrants from Somalia, of running scams. — Ken Sweet, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Or, they may be invited to participate in scams or fraudulent activity, without even realizing it. — Sarah Vanbuskirk, Parents, 16 Sep. 2026