Spam vs. scam.

People use the words interchangeably, but they describe two different things. Knowing the difference changes how you respond, what you report, and what law actually applies.

Spam

Any unwanted, unsolicited contact (calls, texts, email) sent in bulk — usually legal-but-annoying telemarketing.

Scam

Unwanted contact plus fraud — the caller lies to steal money, information, or access.

Spam

Scam

Intent

Sell or market something

Deceive and steal

Lawful?

Often legal (with consent / DNC rules)

Always illegal

TCPA angle

Consent / DNC / ATDS violations

Wire fraud, impersonation, TCPA

Example

“Hi, it’s your car-warranty dealer…”

“This is the IRS, pay gift cards or we arrest you.”

How AntiSpamLogic tracks the two

Every report filed here lets you mark a scam_likelihood score (0\u2013100) separately from the call category. So a number can be logged as spam (low scam score \u2014 annoying but not fraudulent) or scam (high score \u2014 deception involved), and the two are tracked distinctly. That distinction matters: it changes whether the priority is a TCPA consent claim or a fraud referral to law enforcement.

Look up a number Browse community reports

Not legal advice

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a TCPA attorney or report fraud to the FTC and FCC.