scammy
Smells like fraud
Scammy describes something that feels fraudulent or deceptive, suggesting a scam even if not proven to be one.
The word conveys suspicion more than certainty: That website looks scammy, The whole deal felt scammy from the start.
Often applied to dubious online offers, shady business practices, or anything that triggers distrust.
Fraud who deceives for profit
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- grifterPetty fraud perpetrator
- hustlerAggressive, unscrupulous earner
- swindlerPerson who deceives for money
fraudster · snake-oil · huckster · cheat · faker · imposter · trickster · crook
Disreputable or sun-blocked
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- phonyFraudulent person or thing
- bogusCounterfeit or fraudulent
fake · false · insincere · duplicitous · deceitful · two-faced · disingenuous · fraudulent
Incomplete or suspicious
- fishyArousing doubt, colloquially
- dodgyQuestionable in character
- shiftySeeming dishonest or evasive
- questionableOf uncertain validity
dubious · iffy · suspect · shady · untrustworthy · unreliable · disreputable · seedy
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- bait-and-switchFraudulent substitution tactic
- catfishingDeceiving via false identity
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- clickbaitSensationalized content for traffic
robocall · spam · hustle · grift · swindle · hoax · flimflam · con
conman
Fraud who deceives for profit
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- grifterPetty fraud perpetrator
- hustlerAggressive, unscrupulous earner
swindler · fraudster · snake-oil · huckster · cheat · faker · imposter · trickster · crook · fleecer
shady
Disreputable or sun-blocked
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- phonyFraudulent person or thing
bogus · fake · false · insincere · duplicitous · deceitful · two-faced · disingenuous · fraudulent · sham
sketchy
Incomplete or suspicious
questionable · dubious · iffy · suspect · shady · untrustworthy · unreliable · disreputable · seedy · sleazy
phishing
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- bait-and-switchFraudulent substitution tactic
- catfishingDeceiving via false identity
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
clickbait · robocall · spam · hustle · grift · swindle · hoax · flimflam · con · racket
manipulative
Skilled at controlling others
calculating · sly · underhanded · sneaky · devious · wily · slippery · scheming · plotting · crooked
scammylegitimate
Conforming to accepted standards
legit · above-board · on the level · bona fide · kosher
scammytrustworthy
Worthy of confidence
reliable · reputable · honest · ethical · aboveboard
- scam artistOne who defrauds others
- Nigerian prince scamEmail requesting money for fictional fortune
- online scamInternet-based swindle
- scam callDeceptive telephone solicitation
- internet scamOnline deceptive theft scheme
- romance scamFeigned courtship for theft