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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scams
As cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated tactics and AI makes phishing attempts, impersonation scams and other attacks harder to spot, organizations can’t rely on annual compliance training alone.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Always compare multiple firms before making a decision because tax relief scams do exist.
—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
For more information on the types of scams and guidance on how to file a complaint, access the IC3 website here.
—
Ella Moore
july 2,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
Red flags to watch for to avoid fraud While scams can be tricky to spot, there are some red flags that experts recommend watching for, including when you're asked to act quickly.
—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
While social media posts about this may be going viral, luggage scams are not new, and several people have even been charged with a crime.
—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2026
The intimacy, financial pressure and manipulative language in romance scams, for example, may be hard to distinguish from genuine users seeking help with a divorce.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Always compare multiple firms before making a decision because tax relief scams do exist.
—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
For more information on the types of scams and guidance on how to file a complaint, access the IC3 website here.
—
Ella Moore
july 2,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
Red flags to watch for to avoid fraud While scams can be tricky to spot, there are some red flags that experts recommend watching for, including when you're asked to act quickly.
—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
While social media posts about this may be going viral, luggage scams are not new, and several people have even been charged with a crime.
—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2026
The intimacy, financial pressure and manipulative language in romance scams, for example, may be hard to distinguish from genuine users seeking help with a divorce.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scams
Noun
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Their only inheritance is a legacy of two-bit crime that inspires them to run increasingly audacious frauds.
-
Lan, 69, built a sprawling real estate empire of luxury homes and commercial properties before she was accused of one of the biggest frauds in global history.
Noun
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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.
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Frauds, swindles, cons, scams, and deceptions — collectively known as hoaxes.
Noun
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By probing his triple role as author, anthropologist and cult leader, the book asks why Americans hunger for seductive spiritual hoaxes.
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The dishonest duo got rich from their deception, but in the age of AI slop, there is a certain charm to analogue hoaxes such as these.
Cite this Entry
“Scams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scams. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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