Scam kind partner (7)
I believe the answer is:
consort
'partner' is the definition.
('consort' can be a synonym of 'partner')
'scam kind' is the wordplay.
'scam' becomes 'con' (I've seen this before).
'kind' becomes 'sort' ('sort' can be a synonym of 'kind'**).
'con'+'sort'='CONSORT'
(Other definitions for consort that I've seen before include "Monarch's husband" , "Companion; ship sailing with another" , "helpmate" , "Spouse, partner" , "Small group; spouse" .)