scam operation

[/skæm ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃən/]
nounpl: scam operations
operação de fraude / esquema de fraude
1. An organized fraudulent scheme or criminal enterprise designed to deceive people and illegally obtain money or personal information
The police shut down an international scam operation that targeted elderly people.
A polícia fechou uma operação de fraude internacional que visava pessoas idosas.
2. A coordinated system or network of fraudulent activities run by multiple perpetrators
The scam operation used fake websites and email addresses to steal credit card information.
A operação de fraude usava sites falsos e endereços de email para roubar informações de cartão de crédito.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'scam operation' refers to organized criminal fraud. In Brazil, the terms 'golpe' and 'fraude' are commonly used, with 'golpe' being more colloquial. This term has become increasingly common in both countries due to rising cybercrime and financial fraud awareness. In Portuguese-speaking contexts, the related term 'burla' is also used, particularly in Portugal and more formal legal settings. The term reflects growing concerns about organized fraud in both digital and traditional commerce.
NYC Slang
hustle / rip-off operation / con game
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fraud schemecon operationswindle ringcriminal enterpriseillicit operation
Antonyms / Antônimos
legitimate businesshonest operationlegal enterprise

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
operação de fraude / esquema de golpe
Most common and formal usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cilada / furada
More colloquial/slang usage in informal contexts
São Paulo
operação de fraude / empreendimento criminoso
Formal usage, especially in business and legal contexts
Portugal
esquema de fraude / operação de burla
Portuguese preference for 'burla' over 'golpe' in formal contexts

Related Words

scammerphishingidentity theftPonzi schememoney launderingconfidence game

Related Idioms & Phrases

run a scam
fall for a scam
expose a scam
perpetrate a scam
get caught up in a scam
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