Throughout history and across the globe, scams have run rampant. Some con artists do it for fun, others for profit . . . and every once in a while, a faker saves the world.

Introduction: a tale as old as time -- Conjurers and con artists: short cons -- Just trust me: long cons -- Step right up!: carnivals and the prince of humbug -- Mysterious minds: spoon benders and psychics -- Who are you?: impostors -- I want to believe: science hoaxes -- Snake oil: deception in medicine -- Gideon's trumpet: deception in war -- Believe nothing: mass media hoaxes -- Conclusion: news you can use.