In the world of online news alerts, not a day goes by without some mention of the advantages of playing chess, especially for juniors and senior citizens. Once in a while you see a story showing how chess can be misused. Here are a few recent examples.

• A Chess Scam: Chess program coordinator arrested in Boston: ran events in Melrose Public Schools; 'A man who has been running an extracurricular chess program for Melrose elementary school students was arrested in Boston Saturday on a warrant for receiving stolen property — and is being investigated by local police over concerns with his chess program here.' • Delaware Families Fall Victim To Chess Scam; 'Dozens of Delaware families say they were scammed by a man offering after-school chess lessons for children at schools'.
  
  
• Identity Theft: Identity theft suspect called a con woman • 'The woman accused of assuming the identity of a missing Upstate woman to con her way into top universities faces new federal charges in Greenville that offer more of a glimpse into how authorities allege the 29-year-old high school dropout duped those around her. They include allegations she touted a career as a chess champion'.
  
  
• Cheating with a Mobile Phone: Chess Cheat Caught Using SMS to Get Tips During Match • 'A chess player competing in the Dubai Open Chess tournament has been expelled after he was found receiving text messages on his mobile phone - with tips for his next move.'
  
  
• Just Plain Strange: Four held for faking papers to go play chess in the US • 'They claimed they would represent India in a purported chess championship in the United States.'
  
  

A word to scammers, thieves, cheats, and fakes: Chess players aren't stupid. You will be caught!