leeneia, the "scams" are copyright and therefore could be enforceable in a court of law.
I said "could," it depends upon the court and the jurists decision.

Richard Bridge is correct in that the U. S. "is going its own way," moreover the copyright regulations have been unduly muddied by Congressional actions and the courts.

However, the change or addition of a few words or slight changes in the musical score on your part might be a form of protection, if you claim or file for copyright on your version.

Wikipedia, I am afraid, is oversimplified. Was the article written by a lawyer qualified in copyright issues? Who knows?
See articles "Copyright" and "Talk-Copyright" in Wikipedia.