Liar liar pants on fire: Cheater strategies linked to the Dark Triad

•We examine the Dark Triad traits and domain-general and specific deception.•Psychopathy was linked to positive emotions while lying.•Machiavellianism was linked to an increased cognitive effort while lying.•Sex differences in lying and the Dark Triad traits were found.

The present study (N = 462) examined the relationship between the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and deception in domain-general and domain-specific contexts. As predicted, psychopathy and Machiavellianism were linked to the propensity to lie in different contexts, including mating and academic dishonesty. Psychopathy was related to experiencing more positive emotions associated with lying and Machiavellianism was associated with increased amount of cognitive effort associated with deception. Sex differences in deception were partially mediated by individual differences in the Dark Triad traits. Our findings have important implications for the interpersonal strategies employed by those high on the Dark Triad.