Israel Warns Immigrants of Sophisticated Voice-Cloning Scams

The Israeli National Cyber Directorate is alerting immigrants, particularly the elderly, to a rise in sophisticated phone scams. Scammers, fluent in Russian, are employing psychological pressure and advanced technology, including AI-powered voice cloning, to impersonate bank employees, police officers, or distressed relatives. These tactics make even familiar voices unreliable, increasing the risk of deception.

Perpetrators often create a sense of urgency, forbidding victims from discussing the calls with others. Key warning signs include requests for one-time SMS codes, transfers to "secure accounts," installation of remote access apps, or clicking suspicious links. The Cyber Directorate emphasizes that legitimate officials never ask for passwords, card details, or sensitive documents over the phone.

To combat these threats, experts advise proactive discussions with elderly relatives about how to handle suspicious calls. They recommend immediately ending any call that raises concerns, without succumbing to pressure. Establishing a family "code word" for emergencies can help verify identities. Posting a visual reminder near the phone with emergency numbers (police 100, bank, trusted relatives) is also suggested.

If a scam is successful, individuals should act swiftly. Contacting their bank to block transactions, changing critical account passwords, and uninstalling any recently installed suspicious applications are immediate steps. Preserving evidence like screenshots and phone numbers before reporting to the police (100) is crucial. Additionally, Israelis over 65 who have been victims of financial fraud can seek free legal assistance from the Ministry of Justice by dialing 6405*.