Woman Loses $30,000 in Sophisticated Credit Card Scam

Natalie Haya Tolmas, a beauty clinic owner, was defrauded of NIS 30,000 (approximately $8,000 USD) after falling victim to a cunning scammer posing as a restaurant employee. Tolmas had ordered food from Sushi Room in Herzliya, and while she and her staff were eating, the scammer called, claiming there was an issue with her credit card payment at the restaurant's terminal.

Initially, Tolmas was not overly suspicious, as her business also processes credit card payments over the phone. The scammer told her that the transaction had failed and asked her to re-enter her credit card details. When the first attempt resulted in a NIS 15,000 charge, the scammer dismissed it as a system error and asked for a different card. This second card was also charged, maxing out her business credit limit. She explained that this card was used for business expenses, including advertising and marketing campaigns.

After receiving a call from the restaurant confirming it was a scam, Tolmas attempted to contact the fraudster, who initially denied any knowledge of the situation. She later managed to confront him again, and he admitted to knowing the business but insisted everything was fine before hanging up. The credit card company then became involved.

Police have identified the suspect as a 26-year-old resident of the Krayot area, who has a prior record and existing indictments for similar offenses. As of the report, police have filed 20 indictments against him based on known cases.