Israeli Man Faces Multiple Traffic Fines Due to License Plate Fraud Scheme

Neriya Bukboza, an Israeli resident, has been wrongly issued thousands of shekels in traffic fines for violations he did not commit, after his license plate was allegedly cloned in a widespread fraud scheme. The issue began when Bukboza received a fine from Tel Aviv municipality for riding a scooter on the sidewalk, a vehicle he claims he does not own. After appealing that fine, he was hit with four additional fines, which he later discovered were intended for a delivery courier working for the company Wolt.

Bukboza explained in an interview with Channel 13 News that despite proving the violations were not his, authorities ignored his claims and did not cancel any of the fines. He only learned that one case was closed from a television report. The suspected scam involves forging a license plate identical to the one registered to Bukboza’s stolen scooter. He expressed frustration that he now needs to hire a lawyer to resolve what he sees as a systemic error rather than personal wrongdoing.

The situation gained public attention after Bukboza’s brother posted about it on social media, prompting many others to share similar experiences with license plate cloning, including cases involving large companies like Lime. Tel Aviv municipality responded that Bukboza initially contacted them without alleging forgery or providing evidence, and only recently filed a police complaint, which they are now reviewing. Wolt stated their vehicle license plate database is not public and that the courier involved is suspended pending investigation.

This case highlights challenges in addressing license plate fraud and the difficulties victims face in clearing wrongful fines in Israel.