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

As scams become more sophisticated and pervasive, leaders should rethink how their organizations identify, measure and respond to cybercrime as an enterprise-wide business risk. — Mark Beare, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

This includes any number of disputes between parties, but also issues such as evictions, scams targeting senior citizens, and domestic-violence protective orders. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

Some of these websites look like official storefronts for campaigns but are scams. — Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 22 July 2026

Cambodia will host an international conference on combating cyber scams in September, Hun Manet said in a post on his Telegram social media account. — Sopheng Cheang, Fortune, 22 July 2026

In recent weeks, agencies including the New York Department of State, Florida Bar and local police departments issued warnings about these scams. — Naisha Roy, ProPublica, 16 July 2026