Please Note: Lab experiences do not require registration and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The room will be cleared after each session to accommodate the next group.

Seven years ago, pradameinhof ran the world’s first public pickpocketing competition with about 200 people at a social engineering conference. The inspiration? His dad got pickpocketed right next to him on the Paris Metro. What started as frustration turned into obsession—not just with preventing it, but with understanding how easy it is to pull off. It was hard enough finding good resources. The real problem? Testing your skills in realistic scenarios can land you in jail.

In this two-hour Social Engineering Community session, pradameinhof will teach what he learned: the core techniques of attention manipulation—directing and surfing attention, relative touch, entering personal space, giving shade, fanning, and working in teams. You’ll learn to lift wallets, watches, phones, badges, and keys, and apply these skills to red-teaming.

Here’s how it works: You’ll pair up and take turns—one practitioner, one target. No prior experience necessary.

What to bring: A jacket and pants with pockets that aren’t too tight. Wear a watch if you have one. Because you will need to steal from other people and be pickpocketed, expect to touch and be touched by others in order to participate—all appropriately and with clear consent.

Join us in this group exercise to understand the human blind spots that make physical social engineering so effective. Walk away with skills for your next red-team engagement—and better awareness so you don’t become a target.

(Disclaimer: This exercise is for educational purposes only. If you pickpocket people without their consent, expect to get into trouble.)

pradameinhof

pradameinhof has worked in cyber security startups for over two decades. Most of his skills he acquired by pestering his friends and colleagues over coffee. He has a passion for OSINT and Social Engineering.