this is a scam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a scam" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to warn someone that something is fraudulent or deceptive. Example: "After reviewing the offer, I can confidently say that this is a scam and you should not engage with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Yes, this is a scam.

The Guardian - Tech

Surely this is a scam?

The Guardian - Money

This is a scam, VOTE NO!

University of California, Berkeley

"The reality," the report continued, "is that this is a scam".

The New York Times

I do not know for sure that this is a scam, but strongly suspect that I have been conned".

The Guardian - Tech

This is a scam in which tourists end up footing an exorbitant bill, which the proprietors then split with the scammers.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Never use appraisers that charge a percentage of the jewelry's value — this is a scamming technique.[15].

WikiHow

This was a scam with global intent.

The New Yorker

If this was a scam, then I'm unsure who was scamming whom.

The New Yorker

If the SEC case is true, this was a scam – nothing more, nothing less.

The Guardian - Business

You will have realised by now this was a scam – albeit one of the most convincing we have encountered.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is a scam", provide specific reasons or evidence to support your claim. This adds credibility and helps others understand the potential deception.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a scam" without providing any context or explanation. Simply stating it without supporting evidence can weaken your argument and make you seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a scam" functions primarily as a declarative statement to express a judgment or opinion about something being fraudulent or deceptive. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is used to warn others or express personal conviction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is a scam" is a common and direct way to express the belief that something is fraudulent or deceptive. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and Formal & Business settings. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide supporting evidence to enhance credibility, and equally crucial to avoid overuse without proper context. Alternatives such as "this is fraudulent" or "this is a swindle" can provide different nuances, but remember that scams always involve intentional deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is fraudulent

Replaces "scam" with its adjective form, directly stating the deceptive nature.

this is a swindle

Substitutes "scam" with "swindle", another noun implying dishonest financial gain.

this is a rip-off

Replaces "scam" with the more informal term "rip-off", indicating overcharging or unfair dealing.

this is a con

Uses the shortened version "con" of "confidence trick", another term for scam.

this is deceptive

Expresses the fraudulent nature using an adjective, focusing on the misleading aspect.

this is a hoax

Replaces "scam" with "hoax", suggesting a deception intended to trick or deceive.

this is nothing but a scam

Adds emphasis, reinforcing the assertion that something is entirely a scam.

it's a crooked scheme

Uses different vocabulary, "crooked scheme", to convey the same dishonest plan.

it's a fraudulent operation

Replaces "scam" with "fraudulent operation", giving it a more formal and elaborate tone.

that's a bogus deal

Changes the subject and verb while using the informal term "bogus" to describe the dishonest nature of the deal.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a scam" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a scam" to express your belief that something is fraudulent or deceptive. For example, "After carefully reviewing the contract, I realized "this is a scam" designed to steal my personal information."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is a scam"?

Alternatives include "this is fraudulent", "this is a swindle", or "this is a rip-off", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is a scam"?

It's appropriate to use "this is a scam" when you have reasonable evidence or a strong suspicion that something is intended to deceive or defraud. Ensure you can support your claim with facts or observations.

What is the difference between "this is a scam" and "this is misleading"?

"This is a scam" implies intentional deception for personal gain, often financial. "This is misleading" suggests something is inaccurate or deceptive, but not necessarily with malicious intent. A scam is a specific type of intentional deception, whereas something misleading can be unintentional.