Take My Wallet, Please
Bob Arno of Las Vegas makes a living studying pickpockets.
How do you track down pickpockets?
I stuff my wallet with paper and keep it in my pants pocket. Then I linger in prime tourist spots in foreign cities. Sooner or later, someone steals the wallet, and I try to steal it back.
Really?
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Yeah. If I successfully steal the wallet back -- and I often do -- the thief is usually willing to share the latest techniques.
What's a classic ploy?
A pickpocket squirts mustard on you unawares. He approaches you, points at the stain and starts to clean it. While he distracts you with one hand, he robs you with his free hand.
Why don't you study pickpockets in the U.S.?
Pickpockets are rare here because we train our cops well, we use security cameras and the consequences are too severe.
How do you make money?
I serve as a consultant to government officials in about ten countries, studying legal systems that fail to stop crime. I also educate tourists on luxury cruise ships.
Are tourists easy prey?
You bet. In my demonstrations, I steal wallets and watches of some passengers. (I return the items, of course.) In big European tourist destinations, such as Rome, there are 100 to 200 incidents a day.
What's the profile of a typical pickpocket?
In Europe, it's a gentleman in his fifties. Or else it's an immigrant, often of Romanian descent, usually a woman surrounded by children. In Latin America, it's often a teenager.
What's your advice for travelers?
Stash most of your money in a security pouch that you wear over your shoulder, around your neck or around your waist. A good pouch costs about $15.
Are you a former thief?
No! (Laughs.) When I was a teenager in my native Sweden, I read everything about con games that I could. Later, when I traveled in Asia, I got tired of seeing travelers get duped, so I began leading workshops on the topic.
-- Interview by Sean O'Neill
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction: What It Means for Those Over Age 65
Tax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Walmart Plus Members Will Soon Have Their Choice Between Two Streaming Services
Discover which streaming service is coming to the platform.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Now if You Think Your Identity Was Stolen
If you suspect your identity was stolen, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself, but make sure you take action fast.
-
The 8 Financial Documents You Should Always Shred
Identity Theft The financial documents piling up at home put you at risk of fraud. Learn the eight types of financial documents you should always shred to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity Theft
Identity Theft Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.
-
12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scams
Identity Theft Think you can spot the telltale signs of frauds and scams? Follow these 12 tips to stay safe from evolving threats and prevent others from falling victim.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This Summer
Identity Theft These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
How to Guard Against Identity Theft in 2025
Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.