Dozens of people have fallen victim to a group of sophisticated criminals who purchased Rolex watches from them, only to disappear and leave behind substantial financial losses. The criminals used fake bank transfer documents to deceive the sellers into believing that the money had been transferred to their accounts. However, when the sellers checked their accounts the next day, they discovered that no money had been transferred.
Rolex watches are known for their luxury and high price, often exceeding ten million shekels. These custom-made watches, adorned with gold and diamonds, have become a status symbol for many millionaires. Over the past two years, there have been approximately 15 cases of luxury watch robberies targeting businessmen, most of which remain unsolved.
In the past year, owners of Rolex watches have started selling them on social media and second-hand websites. One seller, known by the pseudonym Hila, advertised a watch worth NIS 25,000 and quickly received an application from a buyer in Tel Aviv who expressed immediate interest. The buyer sent Hila a photocopy of a bank transfer and an identity card, and shortly after, a taxi driver arrived to collect the watch with all the necessary certificates and a receipt.
However, the next day, Hila was alarmed to discover that no money had been transferred to her account. She visited the bank branch, where a clerk confirmed that the bank transfer document was fake. Hila lamented her naivety and expressed regret for believing the swindler’s forged documents.
Another victim named Yossi also experienced a similar situation. He posted a Rolex watch for sale, valued at NIS 75,000, and received a call within five minutes. The buyer claimed to own a renowned meat restaurant and assured Yossi that he was making a bank transfer. The buyer then sent an employee to collect the watch on his behalf. Yossi received documentation of the bank transfer, but the next day, he discovered that no money had been transferred and the buyer’s phone number was disconnected.
Similarly, Shimshon sold a Rolex watch for NIS 50,000 to a person who responded to an ad on Facebook. However, the bank transfer provided by the buyer turned out to be fake as well. Shimshon refrained from filing a complaint with the police due to concerns about exposing his undisclosed business income. Several other business owners have also fallen prey to these crooks when selling their Rolex watches and suffered significant financial losses. In an attempt to retrieve his watch, Shimshon hired a private investigator.
Numerous complaints have been filed at police stations across the country regarding these incidents. Authorities believe that these criminals, likely affiliated with junior roles within criminal organizations, have developed a sophisticated method to quickly earn easy money.
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