Cuban Woman's Bank Account Emptied in Cyber Theft

Banco de Crédito y Comercio de Cuba (BANDEC) recently issued a warning on their Telegram profile about the increasing number of cyber thefts targeting bank accounts. The latest incident involves a Cuban woman from Matanzas who discovered her account balance had been wiped clean.

"They stole the money from my bank account! I don’t know how it happened; all I know is that my balance was zero," said the victim.

This alarming incident highlights the growing concern over cyber theft in Cuba, where criminals employ various tactics to deceive individuals and steal their personal information. These cybercriminals act with caution and precision, executing their schemes at the most opportune moments.

Cyber Theft Strategies and Economic Impact

Cyber thieves exploit the naivety and lack of financial awareness among many Cuban users. In the current context of economic instability and high inflation, these crimes become even more devastating for those affected.

Since March 2022, BANDEC has been promoting the "Protect Your Money" campaign, aimed at educating the public on the secure use of electronic banking. However, it is crucial to note that the Cuban government initiated a banking process for which the population was unprepared. There is minimal awareness of cybersecurity, how to operate with magnetic cards, and limited access to technology for learning and seeking advice.

The campaign’s recommendations include not leaving wallets in accessible places, using magnetic cards personally and non-transferably, and periodically changing passwords. Many Cubans lack the knowledge and technological proficiency to adhere to these guidelines.

Precautionary Measures by BANDEC

BANDEC advises against sharing account statements or recent transactions, encourages operating only through official apps or websites, and recommends visiting the bank branch to cancel lost or stolen cards. To protect against cyber theft, Cuban banks suggest the following:

• Do not share PINs and access codes.
• Avoid sending photos of ID cards or personal and banking information.
• Refrain from clicking on unknown payment links.
• Be skeptical of screenshots of transactions or confirmations, as they may be fraudulent.
• Do not execute codes that delete payment app records.

If you fall victim to a scam, take screenshots of all evidence, cancel affected cards, and report the incident to the National Revolutionary Police (PNR).

Additional Safety Tips

• Use strong, unique passwords for each website.
• Avoid using the "Remember Password" option.
• Do not share personal information on social media or participate in quizzes requesting sensitive data.

This incident underscores the importance of being well-informed and following safe practices to protect financial resources in an increasingly digital world, for which many Cubans, as evident, are still not ready.