Israel Warns of New Investment Scam Using Fake Brands

Israeli authorities are alerting the public to a new online scam that impersonates well-known Israeli organizations to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes. Scammers are using the names and logos of prominent entities, such as the Israel Electric Company and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, in paid advertisements on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These ads, often appearing under the guise of "Israel Market Research," offer enticing materials like energy market analyses or lists of top dividend-paying companies in exchange for personal contact information. After users submit their details, they are directed to WhatsApp groups where fraudsters propose stock and investment operations, aiming to persuade them to deposit money.

Matan Gidyan, founder of the anti-fraud app Fisherman, highlighted that the use of recognized Israeli brands is a growing tactic among criminals, emphasizing the particular danger posed by leveraging the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange's name. This investment fraud is part of a broader spectrum of financial scams that have targeted Israelis. Authorities have previously issued warnings about criminals posing as bank employees, credit institution staff, Bank of Israel officials, or police officers. These fraudsters attempt to obtain personal and banking details, card information, or one-time codes through various pretexts, sometimes directing victims to fake websites that mimic legitimate ones.

Another common method involves SIM swapping and spoofed messages or calls to gain control of a victim's phone number, enabling access to accounts and financial transactions. In April 2026, the Bank of Israel, police, and Ministry of Communications identified phishing, phone scams, SMS fraud, and phone number hijacking as primary financial deception schemes. The police also caution against romance scams, where perpetrators build emotional connections before requesting money under false pretenses. Despite their varied approaches, these scams share a common foundation: establishing trust before attempting to steal money, financial data, or account access.