Israeli Grandmother Sells Apartment Under TikTok Scam, Legal Aid Halts Sale

A woman in her seventies in Israel sold her apartment without informing her family after falling in love with a mysterious young singer she encountered on TikTok. The granddaughter, Daniela Alluf, recounted how her grandmother believed she was in a genuine relationship with "Simon" (a pseudonym), a relatively unknown singer targeting primarily the Russian-speaking community in Israel. Despite family warnings about the age gap and suspicions, the grandmother insisted on her love and even planned to move with him to Eilat.

The grandmother was manipulated by individuals claiming to be close to Simon, who told her he was hospitalized and needed financial help. She communicated in Russian on the phone, refusing to disclose details to her family. The apartment was sold at a price significantly below market value, and hundreds of thousands of shekels were transferred from her bank account. Thanks to the vigilance of Bank Discount, the family was alerted to suspicious transactions and discovered the sale.

Following a psychiatric evaluation, the grandmother was diagnosed with erotomania, a delusional disorder where the patient believes someone is in love with them without evidence. This diagnosis led to the appointment of her family members as legal guardians and the initiation of legal action to cancel the sale. The Ministry of Justice's Legal Aid Unit intervened promptly, notifying the buyers that the sale was void due to the grandmother's mental state. After tough negotiations, the sale was canceled without the family having to compensate the buyers.

This case highlights the growing problem of elder financial abuse in Israel, which has intensified in recent years. The Ministry of Justice expanded legal aid in December 2025 to provide free legal representation to seniors over 65 suspected of being victims of financial exploitation. The article also details other cases, including an elderly blind man exploited by acquaintances who sold his property without his knowledge, leading to a reunion with his estranged son after 30 years at a police station.

Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and legal support for the elderly, as many cases of elder abuse go unpunished due to lack of evidence or family support. The Ministry of Welfare and nursing homes are also involved in monitoring and preventing such exploitation. Families are urged to be attentive to their elderly relatives to prevent similar tragedies.