Spanish Conversation · Level 10
88 words
Spanish word
estafa
Pronunciation
IPA/esˈtafa/
Meaning
- feminine nounscam
Example
¡Es una estafa!
It's a scam!
More examples
La policía investiga la estafa.
The police are investigating the scam.
Core concept
A deceptive scheme that uses lies or forgeries to take money.
Common phrases
cometer una estafa
commit a scam
caer en una estafa
fall for a scam
denunciar una estafa
report a scam
Similar words
timo: Small, clever swindle that tricks someone into handing over money.
fraude: Illegal deception in business or finance to obtain money or unfair gain.
timador: Person who tricks others to get money or goods.
engaño: Act of presenting false information to mislead someone.
Definition in Spanish
Acción de engañar a una persona o entidad para obtener dinero u otro beneficio mediante mentiras, falsificaciones o artificios.
Word origin
From the verb estafar ('to swindle'), with the noun formed to name the act of deceiving someone to obtain money or other benefit.
Usage tips
- Saying '¡Es una estafa!' flags a fraud or rip-off, and speakers typically add what seems suspicious and confirm payment methods.
Opposites
- honestidadhonestynoun