posible estafa
/posible estafa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'scam likely' is translated into Spanish as posible estafa.
This phrase is used as a warning label displayed on a phone screen to indicate that an incoming call is probably a fraudulent attempt to steal money.
Which one should you use?
While posible estafa and probable estafa both translate to 'scam likely', Sospecha de fraude is a related formal way to convey the idea of a 'suspicion of fraud'.
How do you pronounce it?
/posible estafa/
Did you know?
- The word estafa for 'scam' actually comes from the Italian word staffa, meaning 'stirrup'.
- While posible estafa is the label, some Spanish users refer to these calls as llamadas fantasma or 'ghost calls'.
- In some Latin American regions, a 'scam artist' is called a estafador, but in others, a cuentista is used for someone who tells elaborate lies to steal money.
Examples in context
- El teléfono dice posible estafa.The phone says scam likely.
- Me apareció un aviso de posible estafa.A scam likely warning appeared for me.
Example conversation
Javier and María are sitting together in a living room.
- JavierMira, me está llamando un número desconocido.Look, an unknown number is calling me.
- MaríaCuidado, la pantalla dice posible estafa.Be careful, the screen says scam likely.
- JavierTienes razón, mejor no contesto.You're right, I'd better not answer.
- MaríaEs lo mejor, Javier.It's for the best, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estafa, posible, CC BY-SA 4.0.
