Hot Cons How-Tos

How To: Stop Facial Recognition Software from Finding Out Who You Are on Camera

Facial recognition software is being more widely used with every passing day. Your local law enforcement is probably already using it, and it will be even easier for them now that the FBI handed out its own facial recognition software to state authorities. Even the fine folks at Facebook are using this technology. Obviously, this brings up some pretty serious privacy concerns amongst most people, because honestly, who wants to be tracked? Right now, there's not a lot we can do about it being ...

How To: Make a secret compartment in a book so you can hide valuable items

Have something expensive or personal to hide? Something you don't want anybody else to find? A secret book compartment is perfect for concealing your valuables in plain sight. And this video will show you how to make your own hidden recess for your very own book safe. Just grab your desired book, a razor knife and some other materials, like water, glue, a paintbrush, container, pencil, and straightedge (ruler).

How To: MoMA Pisses Off Internet Artists (Here's How to Get Back at Them)

Aram Bartholl over at F.A.T. is pretty pissed because MoMA is discriminating against internet artists. As most New York-based working artists know, MoMA offers annual membership for only $35 (compared to the standard rate of $75) to artists who can provide "credentials" that prove legitimacy. Though the offer isn't publicized on the MoMA site, word on the street is "credentials" equates to "a letter from the gallery or an announcement for one of the artist's shows within the past two years" (...

How To: Crack open a Dudley combination lock

Alright, there are lots of videos out there dealing with Master combination locks, but this how-to video will show you how to open a Dudley combination lock. These locks are commonly used in schools, so you've likely seen one there. This method opens the lock permanently, meaning you won't be able to close it afterward. You'll need a flat head screwdriver and a little patience. The method involves prying off the style, allowing you to get to the insides of the lock. After that, you'll be push...

How To: Hot Wheels! Workshop Teaches Kids How to Steal Cars

It may look like a modern take on Oliver Twist but, we assure you, this is for real. Before you get too alarmed, however, you should note that the headline reads "how to steal cars" and not simply "to steal cars." We are, after all, dealing with the fine people at Machine Project, a Los Angeles-based non-profit community space organized around the investigation of "art, technology, natural history, science, music, literature, and food."

How To: Use printouts and elastic wristbands to cleverly cheat on a test

Ace every test with this clever cheat. It's an unpredictable way to cheat on a test… unless… you have never worn elastic wristbands in your entire life. Maybe, before you try out this test-cheating method, you should don some fancy wristbands to get people warmed up to the idea of you wearing them, so when it comes time to cheat on your exam, no one will be wise to it.

How To: Perform a simple mind trick with cups

This is a video tutorial in the Pranks and Cons category where you are going to learn how to perform a simple mind trick with cups. For this you will need three cups or any similar articles under which another object can be hidden. You then ask one of your spectators to hide an object under one of the cups while your back is turned towards the cups. Then you turn around and point out the cup under which the object is hidden. The trick is to put an indiscernible mark on one of the cups that on...

How To: Perform the coin through a handkerchief trick

In this video from ViralVideoJunkies we learn the magic trick where you pass a coin through a handkerchief. Take the coin and place it underneath the scarf. Hold it by the coin and pinch it so you have a bit of material in between the coin and your other finger. When you make the move to put the coin back in the scarf you are actually not just covering the quarter back up, but you are taking both sides of the scarf and flipping it. Now you have a firm grip with your thumb and finger on the co...

How To: Cheat on a school test ten different ways

In this video, we learn how to cheat on a school test ten different ways. The first way you can do this is to write on a water bottle. Or, you can write on the bottom of your shoe. You can also write on your arm and wear a long sleeve shirt. You can also stretch and turn and look at other people's tests while you're doing this. Writing on an eraser is also another great way to cheat. Use your notes by placing the paper underneath your test or put them on the floor and look at the answers. Pas...

How To: Cheat on any test

In this video we learn how to cheat on any test by wearing a fake bandage. To do this, you will need a dark belt and a pen. First, you will lay your belt down on a flat surface and then use your pen to write out the information you need onto it. Write the notes out small and use phrases that you will remember when writing down the information. Once finished, wear this with your outfit, just put a big shirt over it. When you are taking your test, you will simply just need to look at your belt ...

How To: Cheat on any test using an eraser

In this video, we learn how to cheat on any test using an eraser. First, take your eraser, it should be wide and thick, not one that comes on the top of a pencil. After this, you will cut a hole out of the middle of the eraser. You can do this easily using a straight edge blade. Once finished, you will take a small piece of paper and write down the answers or information you need on it. After this, you will fold the paper up into a tiny square and then place it into the hole in the eraser. Ta...

How To: Cheat on a test using a Band-Aid

In this tutorial we learn how to cheat on a test using a Band-Aid. First, go on your computer and type out the answers and information that you need. After this, you will need to shrink down the size of the font until it's really tiny, but you can still read it. After this, you will print it out and cut it out around the edges. From here you can do one of two things. The first option is to roll the paper up and put it inside your pen and then take it out to use on your test. The second way is...

How To: Cheat on a test or exam with a light

In this video, we learn how to cheat on a test or exam with a light. To do this, you're going to need a small hand held black light and a pen that writes in white. After you have these materials, you will write out the answers and information that you need onto a blank piece of paper with the pen. After you have everything written out, shine the small black light onto the paper. Now you should be able to see the writing as clear as day! Use this on a test and nobody will know you have all the...

How To: Make a cheat sheet for a test

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a cheat sheet for a test. You will first need to take your shoe and place it on a white sheet of paper. From here, use a pen to trace the shape of the bottom of the shoe. After this, cut the shape out of the paper and then use it to write on! Write all of the information you need for your test on this paper. When finished, you will stick this to the bottom of your shoe with some tape. Then, when you're taking a test you can simply look at the bottom of y...

How To: Get a Free Soft Drink from a Vending Machine

In this tutorial, we learn how to get a free soft drink from a vending machine. First, you will need to find one of those old vending machines, not one of the new and high tech ones. From here, you will need to sit down and lift the hatch up from the machine. Then, reach up into the machine and find a soda. Once you get your hands on one, pull the pop from out of the machine. You should have relatively small hands and longer arms to be able to do this successfully. Once finished, drink your s...

How To: Make a clear cheat sheet for a test

In this video we learn how to make a clear cheat sheet for a test. If you're in a time crunch and need to ace a test, this is a great option to cheat. First, you will print out what you need to know on a piece of white paper. From here, take some clear packing tape and tape it over the information on the paper. After this, dip the paper into water and cut it out into sections. Next, you will peel the paper back from the tape and you will be able to see the print on the tape! Use this with a t...

How To: Cheat on a test in a short sleeve shirt

In this tutorial, we learn how to cheat on a test in a short sleeve shirt. First, take a piece of paper and cut out a circle from it. Make sure it's small so it can fit in the palm of your hand. After this, write down all the answers or information that you need onto this piece of paper. Once you're finished, take the paper and stick it into the palm of your hand. Make sure the writing is facing out towards you. Then, when you need the information you can simply open up your hand, then close ...

How To: Cheat on a test wearing a long sleeved shirt

In this tutorial, we learn how to cheat on a test wearing a long sleeved shirt. First, you will need to take a white piece of printer paper and see how large you can cut it so it fits comfortably in your hand without being seen. After this, cut the paper to the size you want it. Then, write out the information that you need onto the piece of paper. From here, you can place the paper inside of your long sleeve, with the answers facing up. Then when you need it, simply pull it out from your sle...

How To: Cheat on any test by wearing a fake bandage

In this tutorial, we learn how to cheat on any test by wearing a fake bandage. You will need: a phone, ear buds for your phone, bandages, and transparent tape. First you will need to use your phone to record yourself saying the information you need to hear. Read this off your book or notes so all the information is perfectly correct. Now, plug the ear phone into your phone and then slip it through your sleeve before school. Now place it in your hand and wrap the bandage around it. When you ne...

How To: Pick a padlock with a single paperclip

In this tutorial, we learn how to pick a padlock with a single paperclip. First, check your lock to make sure it isn't broken, busted, or damaged. After this, take your paperclip and bend it out. Next, use pliers to bend the paper clip into a loop shape. Once you've done this, stick the loop into the lock in the middle and twist it. Play around with the lock for a few seconds and continue to twist until the lock comes unlocked. If it's not working, create a bigger or smaller loop in the paper...

How To: Pick a lock using two paperclips

In this video, we learn how to pick a lock using two paperclips. First, take your lock and make sure it's locked. Then, grab two paperclips and open them up using your fingers. Then, take some pliers and bend the end of the paperclip so there is a small angle at the end. Now, stick the bend clip into the top of the lock. Then, take the other paperclip and make a large loop in it. After this, push it into the lock with the other and then twist the clip. Now your lock will become open and you w...

How To: Pick a cylinder door lock with a wire

In this tutorial, we learn how to pick a cylinder door lock with a wire. These types of locks are very easy to get open because they have an easy turn inside to push them. First, take your wire and fashion a loop at the end of it. After you do this, stick it into the door lock and start to play around with it. Move the wire around until you hear and feel where the lock of the door is at. When you find this, you will hear the noise of the lock moving and then it will click when it has opened!