"Offers an overview of some of the funniest, weirdest, and most influential cons, scams, and deceptions in history, looking at how the fakers do it, why people can be so easy to fool, and how readers can avoid becoming a sucker." -- (Source of summary not specified).

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.