Definition

Noun: 1. A swindle or confidence game: A type of fraud where the victim is tricked, often through gambling or by being persuaded to buy something worthless.

Usage

• The word "bunko" specifically refers to a scheme designed to deceive and cheat someone out of money. It is often used in the context of organized fraud.
• It is a less common, somewhat informal term for a scam or swindle.

Examples

• The police broke up a bunko ring that was targeting elderly homeowners.
• He lost his savings in a classic bunko scheme involving fake gemstones.
• She realized too late that the "investment opportunity" was just a bunko.

Advanced Usage

• "to run a bunko": to operate a fraudulent scheme.
  • The criminals were arrested for running a bunko out of a fake charity.
• "bunko artist": a person who carries out such swindles; a con artist.
  • The so-called psychic turned out to be nothing more than a skilled bunko artist.

Variants and Related Words

• Bunco: An alternative spelling of "bunko."
• Bunco squad: (noun) A police unit specializing in investigating fraud and confidence games.

Synonyms

• Swindle
• Con game
• Scam
• Fraud
• Hustle (informal)
• Racket

Related Idioms

• "To be buncoed": To be cheated or swindled.
  • I think we've been buncoed; this "antique" vase is a cheap replica.

Noun

1. a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property