Reality is such that the frum community is not immune to embezzlers as many a frum family has lost it all in a get rich quick scheme because they were naïve and trusted a frum appearing individual. In this latest case, the embezzlers targeted money changers, professionals, not regular avreichim.

A Vishnitzer chossid swept many money changers off their feet with his enticing promises. He finally packed it in and fled Eretz Yisrael with some 6 million NIS in investor money.

This scam began a number of months ago when a man who approached money changers explained he owns a matzah bakery and he was privileged to bake the matzos used by the Vishnitzer Rebbe Shlita. He explained that as his old oven is no longer operational and it cannot be repaired. He detailed how everyone knows how meticulous the rebbe is regarding the matzos, and he is required to buy a new one that can meet all of these demands. Such an oven carries a hefty price, 2 million NIS.

He explained that he does not seek a handout, but wishes to place a check in their hands that will be dated two months in advance, for that is when the matzah bakery becomes operational and he will have cash rolling in, hence an ability to make good on the check. He asked for 150,000 NIS towards the purchase.

Of course when dealing in such sums stating that one is erlich is not sufficient and the money changer asked for a guarantor, a second party. The matzah bakery owner was totally understanding of the money changer’s position and he brought another avreich, with the latter introducing himself as an attorney. He offered to leave his checks, acting as the guarantor. The money changer agreed.

While the money changers felt this is a reasonable deal, one that will net them a profit as well as assisting a good person who only seeks to supply the tzibur with matzos, they learned this is not so. When it came time to cash the checks the money changers learned the bakery owner’s checks are worthless. They did not panic for they also had checks from the guarantor, the attorney. However, the money changers learned he called the bank and put a stop order on the checks so the money changers were unable to cash them. In the interim, the sting team has fled.

When one of the money changers arrived at the home of the bakery owner he found an avreich in tears, for he had lent 100,000 NIS to the bakery owner too. He was promised the money would be returned before his daughter’s wedding. That did not occur and the distraught man was wondering how he was going to cover wedding expenses.

Police have checked with the Airport Authority and Interior Ministry, and no one with the name of the con artists has left the country, so it is assumed they left under an alias.

The money changers have turned to Ho’tzaot L’Poel, the court’s collection agency in the hope of cashing the stopped checks from the attorney. It is unclear if they will succeed in getting any of their money. While Ho’tzaot L’Poel may have frozen the account, the money may have been withdrawn prior to the legal action.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)