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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scams Unlike phishing scams or malware-laden emails that cast wide nets and hope to lure in random victims, zero-click attacks are highly targeted. — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 Steve Harvey is now chief advocate officer at Turnout, a $400 million AI startup helping Americans claim government benefits — two years after AI deepfake scams used his cloned voice to push a fake $6,400 government check to millions. — Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Such scams appear to be becoming more common; since late June, the cities of Mountain View and Fremont have both issued news releases about similar attempts to swindle city funds intended for developers. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 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, 6 Aug. 2026 Phishing scams, where employees or customers are tricked into revealing login credentials. — Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 Trading volumes soon collapsed amid widespread scams, weak consumer protections, and limited real‑world use. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 Georgia comes in 5th place Georgia is the last state placing in the top 5 worst states for cryptocurrency course scams. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 Lizbeth Gwisdalla, who said the department regularly investigates these types of online rental scams. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scams
  1. frauds
  2. swindles
  3. hoaxes
Noun
  • In 2018, Modi was accused by Indian authorities of orchestrating one of the country’s largest bank frauds in modern history.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating what prosecutors have called one of the biggest financial frauds in American history.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of frauds
Noun
  • In a case pending in federal court in Oakland, California, three Facebook users allege that the company profits from online swindles at the expense of users.
    — David Ingram, NBC news, 12 May 2026
  • Frauds, swindles, cons, scams, and deceptions — collectively known as hoaxes.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Definition of swindles
Noun
  • America’s penny press transformed journalism in the 1830s, using hoaxes, sensationalism, and mass circulation to create a blueprint for modern media.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By probing his triple role as author, anthropologist and cult leader, the book asks why Americans hunger for seductive spiritual hoaxes.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
Definition of hoaxes

Browse Nearby Words

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scams
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Cite this Entry

“Scams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scams. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of scams for Spanish Speakers

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