A merchant in Jerusalem's Old City was detained by Israel Police this week after he allegedly scammed an American tourist by charging her almost $1,900 for an ashtray using her credit card.
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Earlier this month, the man approached a woman, who is in her sixties, after seeing her smoking near his shop. He proceeded to give her an ashtray. Eventually, after thanking him for the gesture, she asked to buy it, to which he responded that it would cost 30,000 shekels (about $8,000), but she said she does not have that amount. He then proceeded to carry out the alleged scam, giving her $800 and telling her, "This is so you would have money during your visit; I will charge you credit card."
But rather than charge her for that amount, he went on to carry out a transaction in which it would appear that she willingly bought the item for $2,700.
Video: Jerusalem's Old City
The woman only realized the scam this week and rushed to the bank with tears. She was told by the tellers that she would have to provide a receipt before they could do anything about the transaction. When she returned to the merchant and asked him to produce the document, he refused, as this would make his profit taxable.
Crying, she left the shop. Police officers who noticed her asked her what had happened, at which point she told them about it. They went on to arrest the alleged scammer and he was taken in for questioning.
The Israel Police intelligence and investigation officer for that area of Jerusalem said, "We will continue pursuing scammers with a whole host of methods, both openly and covertly, so that they are held accountable." He added that "these criminals also impeach the country's reputation and its efforts to bolster tourism in the old city and overall."
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