(JNS) Police detained a merchant in Jerusalem's Old City this week after he allegedly scammed an American tourist by charging her almost $1,900 (£1500) for a souvenir ashtray.

Earlier this month, the man approached allegedly approached an American woman, who is in her 60s, 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 £5,000), when she replied that she did not have that much money.

He then carried out the alleged scam, giving her $800 (£500) in cash and telling her, "This is so you would have money during your visit; I will charge your credit card." 

But rather than charge her for that amount, he charged her three times that much so it would appear that she willingly bought the item for thousands of shekels.

The woman reportedly did not realize the scam had happened until checking her statement this week when she complained to her bank. Bank staff told her she would have to provide an incorrect receipt before they could do anything about the transaction.

When she returned to the merchant and asked him to produce the document, he allegedly refused.

Distraught, she left the shop when nearby Police officers who asked her what had happened, at which point she made a complaint. 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."

Official Foreign Office travel guidance to Israel states: "Crime is generally not a problem in Israel, but you should take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings."