online scams

USAGE SUMMARY

'online scams' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the internet, online security, internet fraud, etc. For example, "People must be aware of online scams and other security risks when using the internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Businesspundit.com lists the top 10 online scams.

The New York Times

When accessing online resources, always be aware of online scams!

Stanford University

Phishing websites are typical starting points of online social engineering attacks, including many recent online scams.

Procedia Computer Science

The west African country is notorious for online scams in particular.

The Guardian

In some instances the subterfuge is meant to hide online scams or other illegal activity.

The New York Times

Scammers are using the Christchurch tragedy as an opportunity to carry out online scams and attacks.

The Washington Post

One in 10 of us fall victim to online scams, virus attacks and thefts of bank details every year.

The Guardian - Money

The solutions to avoiding this next generation of online scams appear simple, yet clearly are often not observed.

The Guardian - Money

A Google spokesman said the company uses the information to place relevant ads and to fight certain online scams.

The New York Times - Tech

When Casa launches in May, it will work to identify and tackle online scams, as well as support victims.

The Guardian - Tech

It means large corporations such as Vodafone, EE and BT benefit from the online scams and make even more profit than the con men themselves.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "online scams", be specific about the type of scam to provide clarity and avoid generalizations. For example, mention 'phishing scams' or 'investment scams' if applicable.

Common error

Avoid using "online scams" as a catch-all term without providing specific details. Overgeneralization can reduce the impact and clarity of your message. Always provide context or examples to illustrate the type of scam you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "online scams" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a category of fraudulent activities conducted via the internet. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a well-established term for describing deceptive practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "online scams" refers to fraudulent activities conducted over the internet, aiming to deceive individuals for financial gain or to obtain personal information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically correct and widely used. With a 'Very common' frequency, it is a prevalent topic in news, academic discussions, and scientific analyses. When discussing "online scams", specificity is key; provide examples like "phishing scams" or "investment scams" to enhance clarity. Alternative terms such as "internet fraud" or "cybercrime" may suit more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internet fraud

Focuses specifically on fraudulent activities conducted online.

web-based scams

Similar to "online scams" but specifically mentions the web as the medium.

cybercrime

A broader term that encompasses all criminal activities performed using computers and networks.

digital swindles

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the scams in a digital environment.

fraudulent online activity

A more descriptive way to refer to deceptive practices carried out on the internet.

e-commerce fraud

Refers specifically to fraud related to online commercial transactions.

online deceptions

Focuses on the misleading and untruthful aspect of the scams.

phishing schemes

Highlights the technique of using deceptive emails or websites to obtain personal information.

computer-based fraud

Broader than just online, but includes any fraud using computers.

internet-related cons

Uses a more informal word, "cons", to refer to deceptive online practices.

FAQs

How can I define "online scams" in simple terms?

"Online scams" are deceptive schemes conducted over the internet, designed to trick individuals into providing personal information, sending money, or downloading malware. These scams can take many forms, including phishing emails, fake websites, and social media schemes.

What are some common examples of "online scams"?

Common examples include "phishing scams", romance scams, investment scams, fake job offers, and online shopping fraud. These scams often involve deceptive emails, websites, or social media posts.

What can I say instead of "online scams" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "internet fraud", "cybercrime involving deception", or "fraudulent online activity".

How do "online scams" differ from other types of fraud?

"Online scams" specifically utilize the internet as the primary medium for carrying out fraudulent activities. While traditional fraud might involve physical interactions or paper documents, "online scams" rely on email, websites, social media, and other digital platforms.