Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Jerusalem merchant arrested after charging US tourist $1,900 for ashtray

(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 for an ashtray using her credit card.

Earlier this month, the man approached a 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 $8,000), but she said she does not have that amount.

He the...