Inklingo

How to Say "swindler" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estafador

es-tah-fah-DORestafaˈðoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'estafador' when referring to someone who systematically deceives people, often through elaborate schemes or impersonation, to steal their money.
A person in a dark hooded sweatshirt sneaking away with a large bag of money with a dollar sign on it.

Examples

El estafador me llamó diciendo que era del banco.

The scammer called me saying he was from the bank.

La policía busca a un estafador que engañó a varios ancianos.

The police are looking for a swindler who tricked several elderly people.

Ese hombre es un estafador profesional; no creas nada de lo que dice.

That man is a professional con artist; don't believe anything he says.

The '-dor' ending

In Spanish, adding '-dor' to a verb root (from 'estafar' - to swindle) describes the person who does that action, much like adding '-er' in English (swindle -> swindler).

Gender matching

This entry is for the masculine form. If you are talking about a woman, simply change the ending to '-dora' (la estafadora).

Confusing with 'mentiroso'

Mistake: “Calling someone an 'estafador' just for telling a small lie.”

Correction: Use 'mentiroso' for a liar. Use 'estafador' only when there is a trick intended to take money or property.

pillo

PEE-yohˈpiʎo

nounB2informal
Use 'pillo' for someone who is more of a cunning trickster or rogue, often implying a less serious or more opportunistic form of cheating someone out of money.
A man with a sly, untrustworthy expression, wearing a dark simple cloak, standing in a dimly lit alley and secretly tucking a small sack into his pocket.

Examples

Ese vendedor resultó ser un pillo y desapareció con nuestro dinero.

That vendor turned out to be a rogue and disappeared with our money.

La policía busca a un pillo que roba carteras en el centro.

The police are looking for a petty thief who steals wallets downtown.

Noun/Adjective Switch

In this context, 'pillo' can be used as an adjective (e.g., 'el vendedor pillo') or as a noun ('es un pillo'), meaning 'he is a rogue'.

Estafador vs. Pillo Nuances

Learners often confuse 'estafador' and 'pillo'. Remember that 'estafador' implies a more serious, planned deception, like a con artist. 'Pillo' is lighter, suggesting a crafty trickster or a petty cheat.

Related Translations

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