Using truth-default theory, this study explored accounts of retained deceit to develop a pan-cultural typology of deceit motives, involving participants from Egypt (N = 29), Guatemala (N = 118), Pakistan (N = 51), Saudi Arabia (N = 169), and the United States (N = 81). Reasons for lying comprise: offense covering, selfish benefit seeking, other evading, other protection, social politeness, positive impression making, being virulent, and being humorous.