Israel
Dozens of Israeli actors hit by Iranian phishing scam
The victims were sent fake emails offering them a part in a new film
September 12, 2025 09:44
The victims were sent fake emails offering them a part in a new film
September 12, 2025 09:44Dozens of Israeli actors have reportedly fallen victim to an Iranian phishing scam.
The country’s National Cyber Directorate (NCD) confirmed that a number of stars, none of whom were identified, were contacted by email and offered a part in a new film.
The victims were told that a major film director, whom the NCD also did not name, was casting for their latest project and were invited to send audition videos.
But the scammers also requested several forms of personal data, including ID cards, copies of the actors’ passports, and address details.
Per Hebrew media reports, dozens of those targeted duly sent their data and later received threatening messages in response.
These messages are understood to have enabled the NCD to trace the scheme to Iran.
The agency recommends that anyone who sent a reply to the scam to have the relevant documents replaced and to file a report that they were duped by the scam.
Iran has previously been reported to use similar methods to blackmail Israelis into handing over sensitive information or as a tool for recruiting spies.
The Islamic Republic appears to have stepped up its espionage efforts against Israel since October 7, with several Israeli nationals arrested on suspicion of spying for Tehran in recent months.
Back in April, an 18-year-old from Yavne was detained on suspicion of accepting Iranian orders to collect intelligence on the security detail of former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
“At the request of the Iranian operator, the suspect documented a floor in the hospital that contained a room with guards who secured the former prime minister,” read a joint statement from the Israel Police and Shin Bet.
The hospital in question was the Meir Medical Centre in Kfar Saba, where the former premier recently underwent a cardiac catheterisation.
Under instruction from his handlers, who were said to have been linked to "Iranian terror elements", the suspect is alleged to have conducted "a large number of different missions, while understanding that these could harm state security, all for the sake of financial gain”.
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.