How to protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim?
Recently, there has been an increase in fraud cases in Haifa targeting new immigrants. The main feature of such schemes is calls from “bank employees,” “police officers,” or “technicians” who conduct the conversation in Russian. This should alert you: in Israel, official institutions such as banks or the police primarily communicate in Hebrew.
How does the scheme work?
- A person calls, introducing themselves as a “technician,” and asks you to perform actions with your phone or router.
- Then, a “bank” calls, reporting suspicious transactions and offering to help block them.
- Finally, a “police officer” enters the scene, convincing you to withdraw money and hand it over to a courier for an “operation.”
This scenario happened to an olah named Irina, who unexpectedly received a large sum of money into her account — as it turned out later, it was her “absorption basket.” The scammers tried to make her withdraw the money and hand it over. Fortunately, she sought help from us at “Beit Ole,” where the fraud was exposed.
Recommendations from the Haifa Association for Immigrants Absorption (Beit Ole):
- If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number and someone speaking Russian introduces themselves as a bank, police, or other institution employee, hang up.
- If you are worried, call the bank or police yourself, but only using the official number listed on the website or in documents.
- Never give money or your personal information to strangers, even if they send “identification” or ask you not to tell anyone.
Scammers specifically speak your native language to gain your trust. Don’t fall for it! If you need help, the staff at “Beit Ole” are always ready to advise you and help you sort things out.
With care, the Haifa Association for Immigrants Absorption
