What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
estafa
Example
The businessman was arrested for estafa after he tricked investors into investing in a fake company. [estafa: noun]
Example
She was charged with estafa for selling fake products online. [estafa: noun]
swindle
Example
He swindled his elderly neighbor out of her life savings by pretending to be a financial advisor. [swindled: verb]
Example
The company was involved in a swindle that cost investors millions of dollars. [swindle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swindle is more commonly used than estafa in English-speaking countries, while estafa is more commonly used in Latin America and the Philippines.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between estafa and swindle?
Estafa is a more formal term used primarily in legal contexts, while swindle is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
