a scam that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scam that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fraudulent scheme or deceptive practice that is being referred to in a specific context. Example: "The email promised a large sum of money, but it was clearly a scam that targeted unsuspecting victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

What a scam that is!

The New Yorker

More to the point, it seemed like a scam that needed to be written about.

Independent

And a scam that goes on long enough, and works more or less to everyone's benefit, is simply called a culture.

The New Yorker

The current union government that is led by the Congress party is caught in a scam that involves illegally underselling mobile telephony licenses to telecom companies.

The New York Times

Markosian calls Ukraine's move towards the EU a scam that will be painful for the industrial eastern regions of Ukraine, economically the most dependent on Russia.

The Guardian

The call, of course, is part of a scam that has been directed recently at many New Yorkers, both Chinese and non-Chinese.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Police are warning about a phone scam that bilked a Glendale man out of $11,500 after he received a call from someone posing as an immigration agent threatening jail time.

Los Angeles Times

Three former judges, doing time at a federal prison in Florida, concoct a mail scam that goes awry.

The New York Times - Books

Three former judges, doing time at a federal prison in Florida, concoct a mail scam that goes awry. 2 2 43 HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, by J. K. Rowling.

The New York Times - Books

Three former judges, doing time at a federal prison in Florida, concoct a mail scam that goes awry. 2 2 WE WERE THE MULVANEYS, by Joyce Carol Oates.

The New York Times - Books

Three former judges, doing time at a federal prison in Florida, concoct a mail scam that goes awry. 2 2 O" IS FOR OUTLAW, by Sue Grafton.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a scam that", ensure you provide specific details about the scam to provide context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a scam that" without explaining the specifics of the scam. Vague references can confuse readers and reduce the impact of your statement. For example, instead of saying 'It was a scam that,' specify 'It was a phishing scam that targeted elderly people'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scam that" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about the noun "scam". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various sentences, providing context and detail about the fraudulent activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a scam that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used relative clause that describes a fraudulent scheme. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to provide specific details about the scam to maintain clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases like "a fraudulent scheme that" or "a deceptive practice that" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. When writing, always aim for clarity and specificity when describing "a scam that" to ensure your message is impactful and well-understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fraudulent scheme that

Replaces "scam" with a more formal term, "fraudulent scheme", emphasizing the deceptive intent.

a deceptive practice that

Substitutes "scam" with "deceptive practice", highlighting the misleading nature of the activity.

a scheme involving

Shifts the focus to the mechanics of the scheme rather than labeling it a scam.

a fraud where

Uses "fraud" to underscore the illegal and deceitful nature, and the "where" adds a location/circumstance component.

a swindle that

Replaces "scam" with "swindle", a more informal term implying financial deception.

a con that

Uses the slang term "con" instead of "scam", making it more colloquial.

a racket involving

Replaces "scam" with "racket", suggesting an organized and ongoing fraudulent activity.

a deceptive ploy that

Substitutes "scam" with "deceptive ploy", emphasizing the cunning and manipulative nature.

a dupe that

Emphasizes the act of tricking someone with "dupe" instead of simply naming the trick itself as a scam.

a hoax which

Replaces "scam" with "hoax", implying a deliberate deception intended to mislead or trick.

FAQs

How can I use "a scam that" in a sentence?

You can use "a scam that" to describe a fraudulent scheme or deceptive practice. For example, "The email promised a large sum of money, but it was clearly "a scam that" targeted unsuspecting victims."

What can I say instead of "a scam that"?

You can use alternatives like "a fraudulent scheme that", "a deceptive practice that", or "a swindle that" depending on the context.

What are some common types of "a scam that"?

Common types of ""a scam that"" include phishing scams, investment scams, and lottery scams. Each involves deceiving individuals to obtain money or personal information.

How can I identify "a scam that" is targeting me?

Be wary of unsolicited offers, requests for personal information, and high-pressure sales tactics. Verify the legitimacy of any organization before providing information or money. Trust your instincts, if it feels wrong, it likely is "a scam that".