The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word HUSTLE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
H
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S
T
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Scam" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case scam = hustle.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HUSTLE mean?
HUSTLE noun- A state of busy activity.
- A propensity to work hard and get things done; ability to hustle.
- (preceded by definite article) A type of disco dance, commonly danced to the Van McCoy song The Hustle.
- An activity, such as prostitution or reselling stolen items, that a prisoner uses to earn money in prison.
- To push someone roughly, to crowd, to jostle.
- To rush or hurry.
- To bundle; to stow something quickly.
- To con or deceive; especially financially.
- To play deliberately badly at a game or sport in an attempt to encourage players to challenge.
- To obtain by illicit or forceful action.
- To sell sex; to work as a pimp.
- To be a prostitute, to exchange use of one's body for sexual purposes for money.
- To dance the hustle, a disco dance.
- To work.
- To put a lot of effort into one's work.