What is the basic definition of "scam"?

[A7Ranger]

There's been rumors of so many scammers around the years...but the fact is...what do they do that so many people find offensive and considered a petty crime?

[HLCinSC]

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=177244559

[Mattio]

Well the basic definition is "A dishonest scheme".
But I think in terms of computing it could be expanded to include; a strategy to aquire data through social engineering or exploiting system flaws.

The reason it's frowned upon is because you're basically stealing by manipulation or exploiting a flaw in a system. It's not a nice thing to do especially when you have the choice to do things legitimately.

[Forcen]

Steam has a new FAQ about scam that answers this question and many more: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3415-WAFH-6433
It has examples and everything.

[A7Ranger]

I do wonder everyone, how many scammers are in the report over the past few years ago when Valve wasn't keeping their security tightened?

[Spawn of Totoro]

Oprindeligt skrevet af ☣Aquillius☣:

I do wonder everyone, how many scammers are in the report over the past few years ago when Valve wasn't keeping their security tightened?

Security doesn't have anything to do with scams. Security has to do with hijacking.

[kiko]

A scam = a dishonest attempt to trap you into parting with your money.

[I would luck me]

They trick people who don't know better.

Kinda like politics.