Academics may deliberately hoax colleagues with false research, so as to forcibly and dramatically make a particular point. Moreover, false research may a process of deliberate and outright fraud. This paper will review a few examples as cautionary tales for academics and researchers. While it may seem amusing and clever to entrap colleagues in a hoax, the repercussions may have chronic and unintended consequences. Outright fraud may result in short term gain but will almost inevitably, quite simply, lead to the destruction of one's career, along with the potential for exposure to criminal charges. It is sensible for wise academics to shy away from both.