Fictitious invoices, AI campaigns and fears of collaborators: IDF's unusual warning to reservists
The IDF has notified reservists that scammers are attempting to convince them to "extract" aid funds using videos and images created by artificial intelligence. According to the army, financial reimbursements are provided only under specific conditions, and the submission of false documents is a criminal offense. One entity, interviewed by Channel 12 News, requested a 25% commission and admitted to forging invoices. The army initially requested that the investigation not be exposed, but subsequently issued its own warning to soldiers.
Reservists received a message this week from the IDF warning against scammers offering to help them extract their aid funds. The message follows the circulation of videos in recent months, most produced using AI, suggesting that reservists should not be "suckers" and should claim money they are legally entitled to.
One of the entities offering these services is "Miluim Kal". In one video distributed online, "Miluim Kal" claimed the service is provided without obligation. However, in correspondence with Channel 12 News, the entity requested personal details to submit an application to the aid fund on the journalist's behalf, in exchange for a 25% commission on the funds received.
The company representative admitted to submitting invoices for treatments that never took place, utilizing contacts who issue these fraudulent documents. In this way, the reservist receives a refund for services that did not occur, in exchange for a hefty commission paid to "Miluim Kal".
In the IDF's message, it was clarified to soldiers that submitting false documents or providing misleading information to receive a refund is prohibited and may constitute a criminal offense. Furthermore, the IDF emphasized that financial reimbursements from the aid fund are provided only for expenses actually incurred, in accordance with established eligibility conditions.
"The IDF will continue to act for the benefit of the reservists and their welfare, while maintaining integrity, responsibility, and strict adherence to the proper use of public funds," the statement read.
The request not to publish and the decision to distribute the message
Before the article's publication, Channel 12 News approached the IDF Spokesperson for comment. The IDF requested that the story not be published, as it would disrupt an internal army investigation. They claimed they were examining whether there were collaborators within the army assisting companies like "Miluim Kal" and that it was better to keep the issue under the radar. The IDF Spokesperson requested to delay publication until a follow-up conversation with the relevant officer, but then, strangely, issued a broad message to all reservists, contradicting their previous claims.
