Scammers Impersonate Lawyers and Journalists in New Israeli Online Fraud

A new wave of online impersonation is spreading across social media and messaging apps in Israel, targeting unsuspecting individuals. Unlike previous scams that mimicked banks or credit card companies, these fraudsters are posing as well-known lawyers and journalists. According to a report by mako, the scammers create fake profiles using the real names and photos of prominent figures to approach users with seemingly innocent offers to join investment groups.

Several public figures, including lawyers Anat Kaufman and Adi Levi Skop, and journalists Adva Dadon and Gili Cohen, have recently warned the public about impersonations using their identities. The fraudulent groups, often hosted on WhatsApp or Telegram, are presented as professional and free communities focused on real estate, stocks, ETFs, gold, or financial planning. Initially, these groups appear legitimate, sharing updates and analyses to foster a sense of a professional community.

Once trust is established, private messages begin, soliciting investments or requesting personal information and money. Israel's Securities Authority has previously cautioned against individuals impersonating investment experts, academics, government officials, and economic commentators, directing victims to similar messaging groups. These groups often promise exceptionally high returns or present fictitious successful deals.

The Securities Authority warns that scammers may induce investors to buy specific assets or stocks, only to sell their own holdings later, leaving investors with significant losses. The presence of reported profits or testimonials within these groups is not proof of a legitimate investment. Authorities emphasize that profile pictures and names can be easily copied, and users should verify the identity of anyone contacting them with investment offers through official channels, such as verified websites or phone numbers.

The National Cyber Directorate also advises against clicking suspicious links and recommends verifying messages through official sources rather than provided links. Crucially, users are urged not to transfer money, credit card details, ID photos, passwords, or verification codes based solely on the familiarity of a profile picture.