21 of the Best Replies to a “Scammer”

Scammers are everywhere, lurking in our emails, messages, and even on the phone, trying to pull one over on unsuspecting victims. When faced with these con artists, having a witty or sharp response can not only lighten the mood but also give them a taste of their own medicine.

Instead of getting frustrated, why not reply with a clever comeback?

Below, you’ll find the best replies to a scammer that will leave them baffled, entertained, or just plain annoyed!

Top List of the Best Replies to a Scammer

“I’ve already given all my money to a Nigerian prince. Sorry!”
“Can you repeat that? I was busy counting my millions.”
“Is this a scam? Because it sounds like a scam.”
“You had me at ‘hello’—but then I realized it was a scam.”
“I’m recording this conversation for my YouTube channel!”
“I’m too smart to fall for that.”
“I’m on a no-scam diet—sorry!”
“My therapist says I shouldn’t engage with strangers.”
“Let me check with my bank—oh wait, they don’t exist.”
“I’ve heard better lines from my spam filter.”
“I’ll send you a picture of my bank account—oh wait, it’s empty!”
“Sorry, I’m just a poor college student!”
“Are you offering me a scam, or is this a legitimate business proposal?”
“I can’t hear you over the sound of my riches!”
“I’m on the do-not-scam list. Sorry!”
“You must have the wrong number—my bank only calls to offer me money!”
“I’m allergic to scams, so I’d better pass.”
“This sounds like a job for the authorities!”
“I can’t talk right now; I’m too busy being awesome!”
“I’d love to help, but my pet goldfish is getting married.”
“You sound like a trustworthy person! I’ll need your home address.”

1. “I’ve already given all my money to a Nigerian prince. Sorry!”

This classic line plays on the notorious Nigerian prince scam. It humorously suggests that you’ve already fallen for a similar scam, making it clear that you’re not an easy target.

Example 1: “Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve already sent my life savings to a Nigerian prince who promised to share his fortune!”
Example 2: “I’m afraid the Nigerian prince has drained my funds. Better luck next time!”
Example 3: “I would love to help, but I’ve committed to a Nigerian prince. Can’t back out now!”

2. “Can you repeat that? I was busy counting my millions.”

This reply mocks the scammer’s attempts by suggesting that you’re too busy being wealthy to engage.

Example 1: “Wait, hold on! I was just tallying my millions! Can you say that again?”
Example 2: “I didn’t catch that. I was too busy figuring out how to spend my fortune!”
Example 3: “Could you say that again? My bank account just hit a new high!”

3. “Is this a scam? Because it sounds like a scam.”

Pointing out the obvious can be a great way to catch scammers off guard.

Example 1: “Hold on a minute, is this a scam? Because it sounds a lot like one!”
Example 2: “This feels like a scam. Are you sure you’re not a scammer?”
Example 3: “I’m just checking—this isn’t a scam, right? Because it sounds like one.”

4. “You had me at ‘hello’—but then I realized it was a scam.”

This light-hearted reply indicates that you’re aware of their tactics.

Example 1: “You had me at ‘hello’—then I remembered all the scams I’ve heard!”
Example 2: “Wow, your charm almost worked until I realized it was a scam!”
Example 3: “You had me until I heard the words ‘free money.’ Classic scam alert!”

5. “I’m recording this conversation for my YouTube channel!”

This reply adds a twist of humour, implying that you’re going to expose the scammer.

Example 1: “This is great content! I’m recording this for my YouTube channel.”
Example 2: “Can you hold on? I need to set my camera up for my YouTube series on scammers!”
Example 3: “Perfect! I’m documenting my encounters with scammers for my channel!”

6. “I’m too smart to fall for that.”

This direct approach asserts your intelligence and awareness.

Example 1: “I appreciate the effort, but I’m too smart to fall for that!”
Example 2: “Nice try! But I’m too savvy for your tricks.”
Example 3: “Do you think I’d fall for that? I’m way too smart for such games!”

7. “I’m on a no-scam diet—sorry!”

Using a playful analogy makes the response light-hearted while still dismissive.

Example 1: “I’m on a strict no-scam diet! I just can’t take any right now.”
Example 2: “I’m avoiding scams like carbs; they’re just not on my menu!”
Example 3: “Sorry, but I’m on a diet, and scams are definitely off the table!”

8. “My therapist says I shouldn’t engage with strangers.”

This reply adds a humorous twist by involving a therapist’s advice.

Example 1: “I would love to chat, but my therapist says I can’t engage with strangers!”
Example 2: “My therapist has a strict no-stranger policy, so I’ll have to decline.”
Example 3: “Sorry, but my therapist warned me about talking to strangers online!”

9. “Let me check with my bank—oh wait, they don’t exist.”

This reply sarcastically implies that the scammer is trying to deceive you into thinking they’re legitimate.

Example 1: “Let me check with my bank… oh wait, they don’t exist!”
Example 2: “I’d consult my bank, but they seem to have vanished into thin air.”
Example 3: “Hold on, let me call my nonexistent bank about this deal!”

10. “I’ve got to go. My cat just logged into my bank account.”

This silly excuse is bound to confuse the scammer.

Example 1: “Sorry, I’ve got to run! My cat just logged into my bank account!”
Example 2: “Oh no! My cat’s online again; I can’t let it get into my finances!”
Example 3: “I can’t talk now; my cat is trying to manage my bank account!”

11. “I’ll think about it… right after I finish my nap.”

This reply adds a relaxed, humorous tone to the conversation.

Example 1: “Sounds interesting, but I’ll think about it after my nap!”
Example 2: “Let me snooze on it for a bit, and I’ll get back to you.”
Example 3: “I’d love to consider your offer, but I need to catch up on my sleep first!”

12. “Is this the part where I’m supposed to give you my social security number?”

This sarcastic comment makes light of the scammer’s intentions.

Example 1: “Oh, is this where I give you my social security number? Just checking!”
Example 2: “I’m confused, is this the part where I hand over my info?”
Example 3: “Wait, wait, is it time for me to give you my social security number?”

13. “I can’t hear you over the sound of my riches!”

A boastful tone can be a great way to mock scammers.

Example 1: “I’m sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of all my money!”
Example 2: “I would love to chat, but I can’t hear you through all my riches!”
Example 3: “Excuse me, it’s hard to hear you with all this wealth around me!”

14. “I’m on the do-not-scam list. Sorry!”

This amusing reply asserts that you’re not an easy target.

Example 1: “I’m afraid you’ve reached a do-not-scam list member—sorry!”
Example 2: “I appreciate your call, but I’m on the do-not-scam list.”
Example 3: “Unfortunately, I can’t help; I’m on the do-not-scam list!”

15. “You must have the wrong number—my bank only calls to offer me money!”

This response flips the script, implying that you’re too valuable to be scammed.

Example 1: “I think you have the wrong number; my bank only calls with offers!”
Example 2: “Sorry, you must have dialled the wrong number; my bank just gave me money!”
Example 3: “You’re mistaken! My bank only calls to offer me sweet deals!”

16. “I’ve heard better lines from my spam filter.”

This sarcastic remark suggests that the scammer’s pitch is weak.

Example 1: “Wow, I’ve heard better lines from my spam filter!”
Example 2: “Is that the best you can do? My spam filter has stronger pitches!”
Example 3: “I’ve seen more convincing offers from my email’s spam filter!”

17. “I’ll send you a picture of my bank account—oh wait, it’s empty!”

A playful and direct response highlights your awareness of their tactics.

Example 1: “I’d send you a picture of my bank account, but it’s empty!”
Example 2: “You can check my bank account if you want—oh right, it’s empty!”
Example 3: “Want to see my bank account? Spoiler: it’s empty!”

18. “Sorry, I’m just a poor college student!”

Playing the poor student card can make you seem less appealing as a target.

Example 1: “Oh, sorry! I’m just a poor college student trying to make ends meet!”
Example 2: “I can’t help you out; I’m just a broke college student!”
Example 3: “I’d love to assist, but I’m just a penniless student!”

19. “Are you offering me a scam, or is this a legitimate business proposal?”

This response makes the scammer question their own tactics.

Example 1: “Just to clarify, are you offering me a scam or a real opportunity?”
Example 2: “Is this a scam you’re trying to sell me, or is it legit?”
Example 3: “Can you confirm if this is a scam or a legitimate business proposal?”

20. “I’m allergic to scams, so I’d better pass.”

Using humour to suggest that you’re allergic to scams adds a light touch.

Example 1: “Sorry, I’m allergic to scams. Better pass on this!”
Example 2: “I have to decline; I’m allergic to scams, and they make me break out!”
Example 3: “I can’t handle scams—they make me break out in hives!”

21. “This sounds like a job for the authorities!”

This response shifts the pressure back onto the scammer, implying potential consequences.

Example 1: “Wow, this sounds serious—sounds like a job for the authorities!”
Example 2: “This seems like it should be reported to the police!”
Example 3: “I’ll be reporting this; it sounds like a scam!”

Conclusion

Dealing with scammers can be frustrating, but responding with humour and wit can transform an annoying encounter into an opportunity for amusement. By using these clever replies, you not only protect yourself from scams but also take back control of the conversation. So, the next time a scammer tries to pull a fast one on you, don’t hesitate to reply with one of these lines and show them that you’re not an easy target!

Celia Anne

𝐈’𝐦 Celia Anne 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 ” 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐀𝐭 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬” 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.