"Russian" fraud in Israel — warning about new schemes
Israel's Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs launches an information campaign against fraud targeting Russian-speaking elderly citizens. Scammers pose as bank employees and police officers, using AI to imitate relatives' voices. The number of cases has increased by 61% over the past year. The campaign, featuring Yan Levinzon, teaches how to recognize deception and reports on support measures.
Israel's Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs is launching an information campaign against fraud targeting Russian-speaking elderly citizens. The campaign features well-known artist and TV host Yan Levinzon. Its goal is to help pensioners recognize attempts at deception. Scammers pose as police officers, bank employees, and representatives of the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi), using AI to imitate voices and images of relatives. According to ministry data, the number of financial fraud cases against elderly citizens has increased by 61% over the past year: 217 cases were reviewed in 2025 compared to 135 in 2024. The number of cases of financial exploitation by close relatives has increased by 26.5%. The campaign provides practical advice: do not share codes and passwords, verify information through official numbers, do not transfer money based on a phone call, even if the voice sounds familiar. The ministry reminds of the hotline 118 and the possibility of free legal assistance for citizens over 65. Head of the Authority for the Elderly, Yariv Man, emphasizes that fraud hits not only the wallet but also the sense of security.