What is the definition of the word scam?

Answer 1

The term SCAM in the online world has been loosely translated. By definition, a scam is a quick-profit scheme where a person cheats another individual or group out of money by presenting them with false information during a deal or offer.

There are many different types of scams that prey on unsuspecting victims. Scammers can approach their victims via email, SMS, and sometimes even a phone to your personal cell number.

One example of this is the lottery scam. In this scheme, a person receives news via phone call or email that they have won the lottery and can retrieve the cash prize after submitting a small processing fee. After submitting the fee, the attacker disappears with the money.

Another dangerous scam is called phishing, in which the scammer deceives the victim into forfeiting personal information.

Phishing scams usually appear in e-mail form and contain links to supposedly authentic websites, such as those containing a bank login form or a credit card company. When clicked, viruses and other malware can enter your system and passwords and other information processed through your computer will be recorded.

Fortunately, with adequate skills and proper knowledge you can detect when somebody is trying to cheat you. Make sure you are aware of the major internet scams and keep your computer up-to-date with proper anti-virus software.

Answer 2

From Wikipedia -

A scam is a confidence trick.

From other dictionaries -

1. A ploy by a shyster to raise money. 2., A fraudulent business scheme. To scam means to victimize: deprive of by deceit; "He swindled me out of my inheritance"; "She defrauded the customers who trusted her"; "the cashier gypped me when he gave me too little change" 3. A confidence trick, confidence game, or con for short (also known as a scam) is an attempt to intentionally mislead a person or persons (known as the mark) usually with the goal of financial or other gain. The confidence trickster, con man, scam artist or con artist often works with an accomplice called the shill, who tries to encourage the mark by pretending to believe the trickster ~JenniferSF