Israeli Guesthouse Owners Warn of Woman Who Stays Without Paying Across the Country
Guesthouse and lodging owners across Israel, from Eilat to the north, are warning about a woman who repeatedly stays for extended periods and then disappears without paying. She reportedly uses various names including Alexis, Leli, Sophie, and Alexa, and is described as a dark-skinned woman with short hair. According to the victims, she gains their trust with personal stories and promises to settle payments later, but then vanishes.
One host, Khalil Alamor from a Bedouin tent on Route 31, said he filed a police complaint in January after she left without paying, but the case was quickly closed. He expressed frustration that fraud crimes receive little police attention and that she continues to operate freely throughout the Negev and the country. Another host from Dalit Nahum in the Central Arava recounted how the woman, calling herself Leli, stayed for several days, ate at their expense, and spoke about writing a book before disappearing. Despite filing a police report, no action was taken.
The woman has also been reported at other guesthouses, sometimes under different names like Luka. One host shared that after posting a warning on Facebook, another owner confirmed the woman was currently staying with her. The repeated pattern of deception has caused some hosts to lose trust and hesitate to host guests.
Iris Rosenfeld from Beer Malka said the woman arrived in early June, promised to pay by credit card, but later claimed her card was not accepted and promised to get cash in Beersheba before disappearing on the last day. Another northern guesthouse owner recounted paying 300 shekels for a taxi on her behalf, only for her to vanish the next day.
One host reported the woman stayed eight nights under the name Alexis and stole a tracksuit before disappearing. Despite multiple complaints, Israeli police have not taken effective action. Hosts urge others not to fall for her charm, warning she has convincing stories and excuses for not paying. They call on the public to protect themselves and their businesses from this ongoing scam.
