The terms scam and ripoff are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Both involve getting a bad deal—but only one is designed to deceive.

💣 Scam

Definition: A scam is a calculated, deceptive scheme intended to trick you out of your money, personal data, or valuables.

Core Feature: ⚠️ Fraudulent intent. The perpetrator knows they’re lying—and does it deliberately.

Examples:

• Phishing emails claiming to be your bank.
• A fake charity asking for donations.
• Someone selling tickets to a concert that doesn’t exist.

💸 Ripoff

Definition: A ripoff happens when someone wildly overcharges or delivers poor value—without necessarily lying or breaking the law.

Core Feature: 🛑 Unfairness or exploitation. It may be legal, but it’s unethical and outrageous.

Examples:

• A tourist shop charging $10 for a bottle of water.
• A repair shop billing $500 for a 10-minute fix.
• A product that falls apart the day after you buy it.

🔍 Bottom Line:

Term	Core Issue	Legal?
Scam	Intentional fraud	❌ Often illegal
Ripoff	Unfair pricing or poor value	✅ Legal, but unethical

A scam is a con. A ripoff is just a terrible deal.