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Fakers: An Insider's Guide to Cons, Hoaxes, and Scams
From the Trojan horse to fake news, scams have run rampant throughout history and across the globe. Some con artists do it for fun, others for profit. . . and every once in a while, a faker saves the world.
In this era of daily online hoaxes, it's easy to be caught off-guard. Fakers arms kids with information, introducing them to the funniest, weirdest, and most influential cons and scams in human history. Profiles of con artists will get readers thinking about motivation and consequence, and practical tips will help protect them from falsehoods. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is--except in the case of this book!
In this era of daily online hoaxes, it's easy to be caught off-guard. Fakers arms kids with information, introducing them to the funniest, weirdest, and most influential cons and scams in human history. Profiles of con artists will get readers thinking about motivation and consequence, and practical tips will help protect them from falsehoods. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is--except in the case of this book!
176 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2018
About the author
H.P. Wood
2 books101 followersH. P. Wood is the granddaughter of a mad inventor and a sideshow magician. Instead of making things disappear, she makes books of all shapes and sizes. She has written or edited works on an array of topics, including the history of the Internet, the future of human rights, and the total awesomeness of playing with sticks. She lives in Connecticut with a charming and patient husband and a daughter from whom she steals all her best ideas.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 2, 2026
4.5 stars. Everyone would probably benefit from reading this.
I chose it for group theme but thought I'd just skim as I'm not particularly interested in the topic, but I wound up being completely charmed by the author's writing style and graceful presentation she and her editor put together for us; I read every word. And I will consider more by Wood.
Just a few of the tidbits presented (that I will accept as true facts): The *War of the Worlds* radio broadcast did not inspire panic. Almost as many 'Nigerian' emails originate from the US as from Nigeria. College students tend to be extra vulnerable to scams (first time on their own a contributing factor). "Long cons [and cold readings ie from fortune tellers] require a keen understanding of human psychology. What do people want most, and what will they do to get it?"
"A series of interconnected pyramid schemes destroyed the entire economy of Albania when the schemes all collapsed simultaneously in 1997. A major reason things got so out of control was that there was essentially no private property in Albania until 1991. When the Soviet Union collapsed that year, Albanians found themselves in a brave new world of market economies -- buying and selling and trading in totally unfamiliar ways. In other words, regular Albanians had basically zero understanding of how investing works, which made them perfect targets for scammers. The schemes ensnared more than 200 thousand citizens who lost the equivalent of $1.2 billion, and the resulting crisis led to a violent overthrow of the Albanian government."
Included are descriptions of hoaxes done for 'fun' and 'art.' Also included is an index, notes, a list of 'further reading,' etc.
Highly recommended to all high school students, consumers of social media, and those exposed to advertising. Always be skeptical, and make decisions based on what you can learn, not what you feel.
I chose it for group theme but thought I'd just skim as I'm not particularly interested in the topic, but I wound up being completely charmed by the author's writing style and graceful presentation she and her editor put together for us; I read every word. And I will consider more by Wood.
Just a few of the tidbits presented (that I will accept as true facts): The *War of the Worlds* radio broadcast did not inspire panic. Almost as many 'Nigerian' emails originate from the US as from Nigeria. College students tend to be extra vulnerable to scams (first time on their own a contributing factor). "Long cons [and cold readings ie from fortune tellers] require a keen understanding of human psychology. What do people want most, and what will they do to get it?"
"A series of interconnected pyramid schemes destroyed the entire economy of Albania when the schemes all collapsed simultaneously in 1997. A major reason things got so out of control was that there was essentially no private property in Albania until 1991. When the Soviet Union collapsed that year, Albanians found themselves in a brave new world of market economies -- buying and selling and trading in totally unfamiliar ways. In other words, regular Albanians had basically zero understanding of how investing works, which made them perfect targets for scammers. The schemes ensnared more than 200 thousand citizens who lost the equivalent of $1.2 billion, and the resulting crisis led to a violent overthrow of the Albanian government."
Included are descriptions of hoaxes done for 'fun' and 'art.' Also included is an index, notes, a list of 'further reading,' etc.
Highly recommended to all high school students, consumers of social media, and those exposed to advertising. Always be skeptical, and make decisions based on what you can learn, not what you feel.
February 14, 2019
Whether your interest is in short cons, heart-string pulling scams, mind-bending spoons, carnival games, science, medicine or war, FAKERS makes sure to touch on it all. Additionally, it does so with a modern sensibility. For example, P. T. Barnum is called out for using an enslaved woman as a side-show and pocketing money meant to help free her grandchildren. And "fake news" is pointed out as a convenient phrase when news is less than flattering. The trends on social media and bots are also connected to the idea of decrying "fake news."
Full review: https://mutterschwester.wordpress.com...
Full review: https://mutterschwester.wordpress.com...
September 4, 2024
well and truly excellent.
March 22, 2026
I am often reading and writing about scams - particularly dating ones, especially set in our times - but there is nothing new under the sun. As the book Fakers: An Insider´s Guide to Cons, Hoaxes and Scams by H.P.Wood illustrated by David Clark shows, the temptation to manipulate others (mostly) for financial purposes existed since time immemorial.
Midfair tricks, Ponzi schemes, palm and psychic reading, medical hoaxes, just to name few of the most frequent occurences, people were always robbed in heinous ways. The victims were definitely not guilty and the argument of limited intelligence didn´t stand. We may just admit that some people are able to use their charm and intelligence for evil purposes.
The author organised her material with humour - the illustrations definitely helped - gathering examples from various historical periods. However, I may not include military deception among the topics covered by the book as they rather belong to a completely different area.
If things were never different, just tools and medium changed, how one can be covered against being a scam victim, for instance? I dare to answer referring to the closing remarks of the book: by using the weapon of skepticism and common sense.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Midfair tricks, Ponzi schemes, palm and psychic reading, medical hoaxes, just to name few of the most frequent occurences, people were always robbed in heinous ways. The victims were definitely not guilty and the argument of limited intelligence didn´t stand. We may just admit that some people are able to use their charm and intelligence for evil purposes.
The author organised her material with humour - the illustrations definitely helped - gathering examples from various historical periods. However, I may not include military deception among the topics covered by the book as they rather belong to a completely different area.
If things were never different, just tools and medium changed, how one can be covered against being a scam victim, for instance? I dare to answer referring to the closing remarks of the book: by using the weapon of skepticism and common sense.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 18, 2018
Deception has long been a problem in human society. Wherever people gather together, there is bound to be someone wanting to take advantage of someone else. Thus, books like this one are very valuable. This book takes a look at some of the deceptions that have been and still are being practiced in human society. Covering specific events and individuals as well as general types of deception, Wood gives the reader a basic education in the types of deception that can be found in the world. The book takes a look at short cons (like pickpocketing), long cons (like Ponzi or pyramid schemes), carnivals and entertainment related deceptions (includes information on P.T. Barnum, the Prince of Humbugs), psychics, imposters, science hoaxes, medical deceptions, war deceptions, and mass media hoaxes. Each chapter is informative and full of interesting information. The stories included cover both historical tricks and more modern ones with specific examples described. The photographs, sidebars, and illustrations help break up the text a bit. Although it still makes for a pretty hefty read. I found the book rather compelling however both because of the casual, friendly approach the author takes and because of the topic. A valuable and entertaining book full of information that is both practical and fascinating.
April 3, 2019
Fakers : An Insider's Guide to Cons, Hoaxes, and Scams by H.P. Wood, 163 pages. NON FICTION Charlesbridge 2018 $19.00
Content: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
From conjurers, mystics and magicians, to schemers, imposters and internet scammers, this is something that's better to read about than experience. Wood delves in at the very beginning (yes, cave men) and recounts famous - and infamous - hoaxes and scams. The Trojan Horse, the Spanish Prisoner, the shell game; long cons, carnival games, and Ponzi schemes are all explained and exposed.
Wood has offered a very entertaining and informative collection; whimsically illustrated, and full of sidebars and pictures. An important chapter at the end gives advice on avoiding internet scams and cons directed at college students. Includes a bibliography, and source material. Students will enjoy this, it will make them feel smart and hopefully less gullible.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Content: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
From conjurers, mystics and magicians, to schemers, imposters and internet scammers, this is something that's better to read about than experience. Wood delves in at the very beginning (yes, cave men) and recounts famous - and infamous - hoaxes and scams. The Trojan Horse, the Spanish Prisoner, the shell game; long cons, carnival games, and Ponzi schemes are all explained and exposed.
Wood has offered a very entertaining and informative collection; whimsically illustrated, and full of sidebars and pictures. An important chapter at the end gives advice on avoiding internet scams and cons directed at college students. Includes a bibliography, and source material. Students will enjoy this, it will make them feel smart and hopefully less gullible.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
March 7, 2019
Target: Grades 6 and up
What this book is about:
The mantra of this book is that if it sounds too good to be true … it probably is. The author traces the origin of common cons and you would be surprised how many cons of the past keep getting revamped to influence us today. The book is filled with stories that expose how hoaxes and scams are perpetrated from snake oil salesmen and imposters to mass media hoaxes and the long/short con. The more these methods are exposed, the less likely readers are to become a victim. Unless of course, they enjoy the entertainment value of some of these scams because they can be used for good when all parties are fully aware that a show is going on!
Why I love this book:
The more you know, the better off you are. We are living in an age where misinformation is rampant and access to ideas is almost unlimited. We need to educate our kids to become smart consumers of ideas and individuals. This book is a great first step in doing just that.
I was amazed at the variety of examples. From the animal kingdom to the art of war, deception can be life-saving. It can also be a tool to separate someone from their cash and good sense. The idea that luck has come your way is a powerful thing and even smart people can be at the “right place at the wrong time.”
Kids will enjoy the plethora of stories. There are lots of cons for them to sink their teeth into.
Who this book is for:
This is a great book for kids who like nonfiction. Kids who liked Eyes and Spies or Extreme Battlefields will also enjoy this one. A good book to use when talking with your kids about consuming mass media information.
Final thoughts:
Cons, hoaxes, and scams are nothing new, but the methods over which they can be perpetrated are now so far-reaching, we as parents are remiss if we don’t teach our kids about how to identify them.
What this book is about:
The mantra of this book is that if it sounds too good to be true … it probably is. The author traces the origin of common cons and you would be surprised how many cons of the past keep getting revamped to influence us today. The book is filled with stories that expose how hoaxes and scams are perpetrated from snake oil salesmen and imposters to mass media hoaxes and the long/short con. The more these methods are exposed, the less likely readers are to become a victim. Unless of course, they enjoy the entertainment value of some of these scams because they can be used for good when all parties are fully aware that a show is going on!
Why I love this book:
The more you know, the better off you are. We are living in an age where misinformation is rampant and access to ideas is almost unlimited. We need to educate our kids to become smart consumers of ideas and individuals. This book is a great first step in doing just that.
I was amazed at the variety of examples. From the animal kingdom to the art of war, deception can be life-saving. It can also be a tool to separate someone from their cash and good sense. The idea that luck has come your way is a powerful thing and even smart people can be at the “right place at the wrong time.”
Kids will enjoy the plethora of stories. There are lots of cons for them to sink their teeth into.
Who this book is for:
This is a great book for kids who like nonfiction. Kids who liked Eyes and Spies or Extreme Battlefields will also enjoy this one. A good book to use when talking with your kids about consuming mass media information.
Final thoughts:
Cons, hoaxes, and scams are nothing new, but the methods over which they can be perpetrated are now so far-reaching, we as parents are remiss if we don’t teach our kids about how to identify them.
May 15, 2019
This book is so much fun! I learned a lot, got in some great laughs (at the expense of others, sorry), and shared some of the impostor stories with my family. Now, I can't wait to talk this one up at my area middle and high schools. This is a great choice for summer reading logs.
August 31, 2022
A non-fiction book aimed at the middle school aged reading level revealing true stories of just what the title says over the course of history. I personally knew about most of the stories, so it would be a good beginner book for a kid getting interested into the history of these type of things.
October 23, 2018
3.5 stars
December 21, 2018
Very detailed and interesting. Up to date on the scams.
January 13, 2019
Students will enjoy this, it will make them feel smart and hopefully less gullible. For my full review, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
March 9, 2019
This is one of the most interesting books I've ever read, and I enjoyed it! I learned so much about fakers throughout the years, and it's quite fascinating. Such a good read!
May 11, 2020
Much more entertaining than I thought a nonfiction would be. Great little stories to keeps you readings throughout the book.
March 14, 2022
Fun short romp through scams and general skullduggery. I'd love a meatier, dirtier, and more adult version for older folks--there's a lot of good scams out there to expose!
April 11, 2022
Informative and funnily written with chapters about hoaxes, cons, imposters and deception.
July 8, 2023
The author presents short vignettes of different types of fakers and scam artists.
Want to Read
May 12, 2018Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews