Other Tourist Scams in Jerusalem, Israel
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Jerusalem — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Baku.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
1
Other Scams Scams
14
Total in Jerusalem
How it works
On the descending steps and approach lanes leading to the Western Wall (Kotel) plaza, elderly women and men approach tourists and pilgrims offering a brief prayer or blessing and tying a red Kabbalah string around the tourist's wrist. The interaction is initiated without any mention of payment. Once the string is tied, the person demands a "donation" ranging from 20 to 100 NIS. Tourists who refuse or offer a small amount are confronted with guilt, spiritual curses, or aggressive demands. The red string itself is ordinary thread with no religious certification.
See all scams in Jerusalem
14 total warnings across all categories