Father Kenny Fernández, parish priest of the church in Madruga, Mayabeque province, has publicly denounced a scam perpetrated by a so-called "locksmith" and "car zipper repairman" in Lawton, Havana. Through his Facebook account, the priest shared his experience to warn others not to seek the services of “Félix,” who resides on 12th Street between Dolores and Tejar.
Regarding the scam, Father Fernández recounted: “Twelve days ago, he told me he was going to buy a slider or local runner for the driver’s side window. He claimed I needed to give him 1,000 Cuban pesos upfront to purchase the part, with additional labor costs to follow.”
“It’s been 12 days, and I’ve visited his house 5 or 6 times without success. He hasn’t done the job, given me the slider, or returned my money. There's always an excuse and a ‘come back tomorrow,’” said Father Kenny, who is well-known for his criticisms of the Cuban communist regime.
Convinced he was scammed, he added that he has written off the money but aims to prevent others from falling into the same trap. “In my visits to ‘Félix,’ I encountered clients in worse situations: one was owed 4,000 MN, another was waiting for two doors and several thousand pesos, and some had been waiting up to three months for service. In short: protect your money.”
However, the priest also recommended other places for such services: “Try 25th and Hospital in Vedado or 51st Avenue at the corner of 42nd, Puentes Grandes.”
In early June, a woman with a long history of scams in Santiago de Cuba was detained after a victim, with the help of neighbors, managed to hold her and call the police, as reported on Facebook by communicator Yosmany Mayeta. Similarly, the official press warned Cubans about a recent surge in balance scams, using text messaging techniques.
The creativity of scammers in Cuba seems boundless, especially in telecommunications, warned the digital portal Cubadebate in its USB Channel, which also provided tips on how balance thefts occur.
Understanding the Locksmith Scam in Havana
To provide further clarity on the situation, here are some frequently asked questions about the locksmith scam reported by Father Kenny Fernández in Havana.
Who is Father Kenny Fernández?
Father Kenny Fernández is the parish priest of the church in Madruga, located in the Mayabeque province of Cuba. He is known for his outspoken criticism of the Cuban communist regime.
What was the scam involving "Félix"?
The scam involved a supposed "locksmith" named "Félix" who took advance payments for parts and repairs but never delivered the services or returned the money.
What should people do to avoid similar scams?
People should verify the credibility of service providers and consider seeking recommendations. Father Fernández suggested trying other reputable places such as 25th and Hospital in Vedado or 51st Avenue at the corner of 42nd, Puentes Grandes.