Pickpocketing Scam Is Recruiting Children In New York. Here’s How To Stay Safe

To me, pickpocketing seems like a thing of the past. You know, walking through New York in the 1930s and all of a sudden a 3 foot tall chimney sweep nicks your wallet.

Read More: Sheriff's Sergeant Punched at Albany's Latest Music Festival

Unfortunately, it's stuck around, and a new scheme was discovered in Albany, using children to do the dirty work...

Get our free mobile app

Check Your Pockets!

On Saturday, March 21st, Heavy Metal band GWAR performed at Empire Live in Albany. During the show, several patrons noticed their phones were missing, and Albany Police responded to the call.

When they made it to the venue, they busted a 16-year-old (name not released) with multiple phones in his possession. With him was a 28-year-old woman from new Jersey named Evelyn Tutasig-Ilbay. The two were arrested, and the story became clear. Tutasig-Ilbay had recruited the boy from Brooklyn in hopes that he'd carry out the dirty work for her. Her convincing worked, and now he's facing multiple charges as a minor.

How to Protect Your Children from This

If you're a parent, this story is mortifying. Tutasig-Ilbay contacted the boy via Facebook, which is a social media platform almost everyone is on. As such, criminals like this have an easy avenue to contact anyone they want, and rope them into criminal acts with the promise of easy money. What 16-year-old is going to pass that up??

If you do have a child, stay aware of their social media activity. These kinds of scams have become more and more commonplace, and can rope in anyone. Additionally, when attending concerts or other large public gatherings, ensure your valuables are kept in a safe, secure place.