Fake ‘Rescue’ Website Steals Israeli Data as Citizens Scramble to Return Home
As thousands of Israelis remain stranded abroad due to the war with Iran, cybercriminals have launched a phishing attack aimed at stealing personal data by impersonating official rescue efforts. Authorities are urging vigilance as the scam spreads quickly, exploiting the chaos of wartime travel disruptions.
While more than 100,000 Israeli citizens remain trapped outside the country amid ongoing war with Iran, a dangerous new cyber threat has emerged. A malicious website, disguised as part of official Israeli evacuation efforts, has been circulating online for hours, specifically targeting Israelis stranded abroad by collecting personal data through a fake link.
The phishing link was distributed to users via deceptively legitimate-looking digital advertisements, many of which appeared on various websites mimicking official government portals or travel update pages. According to a preliminary investigation, the attackers managed to spread the link by hacking into the advertising accounts of a private company, redirecting unsuspecting users to a cloned phishing site designed to harvest names, ID numbers, contact information, and potentially sensitive travel data.
Both the National Cyber Directorate and the National Digital Agency have confirmed the scam and issued an urgent advisory to the public. Citizens who have received and engaged with the fake link are strongly encouraged to report the incident through the National Cyber Directorate’s website, contact the Israel Police emergency hotline at 110, or submit a report via the online police form.
This incident comes at a time of unprecedented travel disruption. Following the closure of Ben Gurion Airport and Israel’s airspace due to the war, tens of thousands of citizens have been stranded in various countries across Europe and the Middle East. While thousands have managed to return through special flights operated by Israeli airlines, ferries across the Mediterranean, and land crossings from Jordan and Egypt, many remain vulnerable, and now, digitally exposed.
To make matters more alarming, Cyprus, currently a hub for rescue flights and sea evacuations, has seen an increased Israeli presence, drawing the attention of hostile actors. Earlier today, Israel’s Foreign Minister announced that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had attempted to carry out an attack against Israeli nationals on the island, highlighting the multi-dimensional threats Israeli citizens face abroad, both physical and digital.
Israeli authorities are working around the clock not only to evacuate citizens safely but also to mitigate cyber risks targeting them during this time of national emergency. The public is urged to verify any communication related to evacuations, travel, or official updates directly through government channels and avoid clicking unfamiliar links, even if they appear legitimate.