Israeli Couple Charged in Sophisticated Scam Draining 97 Bank Accounts

Following an undercover investigation by the Central District's Cybercrime and Fraud Unit, prosecutors filed serious charges and requested detention against a couple in their twenties suspected of orchestrating an elaborate scam. The pair allegedly targeted mainly Arab community victims by impersonating insurance company representatives. They convinced victims to provide cash withdrawal codes linked to their bank accounts, which allowed the suspects to withdraw funds from ATMs using electric scooters for quick escape. The investigation uncovered 97 victims and losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of shekels.

The scheme began with dozens of fraud reports accumulating over recent months, prompting a shift from covert to overt investigation. The suspects were arrested on August 9, 2026, after which the scope of the case expanded significantly. The couple used precise social engineering tactics, including sharing accurate personal details to gain victims' trust. They falsely claimed that victims had immediate access to insurance funds and instructed them to generate ATM withdrawal codes without cards, which were then handed over to the suspects.

Evidence from WhatsApp messages revealed the suspects' cynical approach, including messages wishing victims blessings to lower their guard. Once the withdrawal codes were obtained, the suspects ceased communication and swiftly withdrew cash at various bank locations. The police have extended the suspects' detention as the legal process continues and warn the public against sharing withdrawal codes, passwords, or personal verification details with anyone, even those claiming to represent official organizations.