CRIME

Caricature by James Gillray of Perkins Tractors being administered to a patient.

8 of History’s Greatest Charlatans

One scam was convincing enough to fool George Washington.

'Scared Straight' tried teaching kids some tough lessons.

When ‘Scared Straight’ Shocked 1970s Television Viewers

The profanity-laden documentary managed to win both Emmys and an Oscar. But it didn't reduce juvenile delinquency.

Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet in 'Our Flag Means Death.'

Stede Bonnet, the Real-Life ’Gentleman’ Pirate Who Inspired ’Our Flag Means Death’

Centuries later, Stede Bonnet’s motivations and actual aptitude for piracy remain unclear. But he still managed to make the history books—in his nightgown, no less.

Big Bird and Cookie Monster once ventured into the big house.

Jail Bird: When ‘Sesame Street’ Developed a Prison Daycare Program

In the 1970s, Big Bird went to the big house (literally) when "Sesame Street" launched a prison daycare program.

Curtis Chillingworth, the Florida Judge Who Vanished From the Bench

Curtis Chillingworth was the most esteemed judge in Palm Beach County. But someone wanted him dead.

The 20 Best TV Shows to Stream on Hulu Right Now

From ‘The Bear’ to ‘What We Do In the Shadows,’ Hulu has become a thriving destination for great original programming, plus terrific series you might have missed elsewhere.

Not every woman wanted alcohol to be banned.

Queens of Prohibition: The Wild Story of 8 Women Bootleggers, Moonshiners, and Rum Runners

These daring dames ventured into the underworld of contraband liquor.

10 Misconceptions About Serial Killers

How smart do you really need to be to get away with murder?

‘Capture of the Pirate, Blackbeard, 1718,’ a 1920 painting depicting the battle between Blackbeard and Lieutenant Robert Maynard in Ocracoke Bay.

12 of the Fiercest Real-Life Pirates in History

They pillaged, they invaded, and they obeyed only the sea laws they made up as they went along.

9 Crimes Linked to Books

These offenses include everything from historical forgeries to audacious heists to cold-blooded murder—all with a bookish twist.

Tim Daly stars in 'In the Line of Duty: Ambush In Waco'

‘In the Line of Duty’: The Waco Movie Made Before The Siege Ended

In 1993, just 34 days after the Waco siege ended, NBC premiered 'In the Line of Duty: Ambush in Waco'—a TV movie greenlit, scripted, and largely shot while the tragedy was still unfolding.

The Salem witch trials were a troubling time in colonial America.

11 Facts About the Salem Witch Trials

The 1692 Salem witch trials caused so much turmoil that the Massachusetts town is still synonymous with them.

Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Killers of the Flower Moon.'

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’: The Grim True Story of the Osage Murders

'Killers of the Flower Moon' tells the story of the Osage murders, an especially bleak chapter of American history.

“Hank the Tank,” bear blamed for string of Tahoe break-ins, captured along with her cubs

'Hank the Tank' Caught: Burglar Bear's Crime Spree Comes to an End—But With a Twist

The felonious ursine has been linked to 21 break-ins in Lake Tahoe, California.

A National Monument Has Just Been Established to Honor Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley

Emmett Till’s murder—and his mother's fight for justice—will be recognized across three sites in two states.

Boarding passes can provide access to more of your personal information.

Why 'Travel Braggers' Should Think Twice Before Sharing Their Boarding Pass on Social Media

Planning to travel? Better keep some of those details to yourself.

More than a century later, the murders at the Hinterkaifeck farm remain unsolved.

The Chilling Story of the Hinterkaifeck Killings, Germany’s Most Famous Unsolved Crime

Did someone hide at the Hinterkaifeck farm in the days before its six residents were found murdered?

Somebody Keeps Stealing Props From the Set of the 'Beetlejuice' Sequel

Behind the scenes, the Michael Keaton-led sequel is turning into a heist drama.

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

Speeders on targeted stretches of road are monitored from the ground and from the sky.

The mob has been busy throughout history.

7 Businesses You Probably Didn’t Know Were Controlled By the Mob

To create inroads into other industries without drawing much attention to themselves, crime families found creative ways to launder money and rule where one might least expect.

Faking your own death isn't illegal, but it sure is controversial.

8 People Who Faked—or Might Have Faked—Their Own Deaths

Pseudocide only works if no one figures out your secret.

Photo illustration by Mental Floss. Images: iStock/Customdesigner (TV), iStock/D-Keine (crime scene)

14 Reasons We Love True Crime, According to the Experts

Everywhere you turn these days, it seems like there’s a new—and wildly successful—book, podcast, or show devoted to a crime. Which raises the question: Why are we so obsessed with true crime? Here’s what the experts have to say.

Cults are a popular topic for true-crime TV.

6 Misconceptions About Cults

Not every cult is a commune-based religious organization run by a charismatic man.

Why You Shouldn’t Charge Your Phone in Public Charging Ports, According to the FBI

Public charging stations are a nice idea, but hackers have found ways to hijack them for identity theft.