Israel Launches Campaign Against Sophisticated Scams Targeting Russian-Speaking Elderly
Israel's Ministry of Welfare and Social Services is initiating a public awareness campaign to combat a surge in sophisticated scams targeting elderly Russian-speaking citizens. The campaign features prominent Israeli-Russian entertainer Yan Levinzon and aims to equip seniors with the knowledge to identify and prevent fraudulent schemes.
Scammers are increasingly using advanced tactics, including AI-generated voice and facial impersonations of relatives, to deceive victims. They often pose as bank employees, police officers, or representatives of other official institutions, exploiting the victims' native language to build trust before creating a sense of urgency or fear. This pressure tactic discourages victims from consulting with family or friends.
Financial fraud targeting the elderly has seen a significant increase, with a 61% rise in reported cases over the past year. In 2025, 217 cases were processed, up from 135 in 2024. Additionally, financial exploitation by relatives and close acquaintances has increased by 26.5%.
The ministry advises individuals to immediately end any suspicious calls involving pressure, threats, or requests for secrecy. It stresses the importance of never sharing SMS codes, passwords, bank card details, or personal financial information with unknown callers. Victims are urged to verify identities by independently calling official numbers and to confirm urgent money requests from relatives by calling them back directly.
Further recommendations include avoiding clicking on suspicious links, not installing unknown apps, and denying remote access to devices to unsolicited callers. The ministry also encourages reporting suspicious interactions to family and friends. In cases of financial loss, victims should promptly contact their bank and the police. Support is available 24/7 via the ministry's hotline at 118 or WhatsApp at 050-227011. The Ministry of Justice also offers free legal aid for citizens over 65 involved in financial fraud or exploitation cases.
