In this paper we describe an experiment comparing the production of lies in first encounters that took place face-to-face (FTF) or in computer-mediated communication (CMC: instant-messaging). Participants reviewed their conversations and retrospectively identified deceptive statements. While the overall incidence of lying did not differ across conditions, the rate of deception per information exchanged was significantly higher in CMC. The characteristics of the lies suggest that the content and severity of lies do not vary substantially across media.