Scam (noun)

1. A fraudulent scheme or action.
2. A dishonest plan or trick to cheat or deceive people.

Origin:

1970s: probably of romany origin.

Examples:

1. The scam was exposed by the authorities.
2. The scam involved convincing people to invest in a fake company.
3. The scam artist was arrested by the police.
4. The scam was perpetuated by a group of con artists.
5. The scam was a sophisticated operation that had been going on for years.