A woman who allegedly attempted to scam some Cubans in Artemisa is being held by the individuals she tried to swindle, who are threatening not to let her go "until she returns the money." The incident was reported by Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, a Cuban activist residing in the United States, who called on the woman's family or friends to return the money.
"This woman went to Alquízar, Artemisa Province, to the house of some people with two men in a yellow taxi to buy 2000 MLC. They made the transfer, and someone from Havana called to say the money hadn't entered the card," Salcedo Verdecia wrote on her Facebook profile. She also shared images of the woman and mentioned that the men who accompanied her fled the scene.
According to the post, the alleged thief is under "surveillance" and "doesn't want to talk, remaining very calm." Those holding her claim they won't release her until the money is returned and have even threatened to withhold "food and water," the post added.
The report also indicates that "the police are aware of the situation but say they won't get involved."
Background on Recent Fraud Cases in Cuba
In late June, the Cuban police dismantled a multi-million-dollar fraud ring involved in the illegal exchange of currencies in the city of Santa Clara, Villa Clara, and arrested four women allegedly involved. From late 2023 until their arrest, the women executed over 15 fraudulent transactions, each worth between 800,000 and over 1,000,000 Cuban pesos, according to Lieutenant Colonel Héctor de la Fe Freire, head of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in central Cuba.
In February, two men were also arrested in Santa Clara for their involvement in multiple currency exchange scams. A month earlier, in the same city, police detained three men and a woman for various incidents of fraud and violent robbery linked to foreign currency exchanges.
During that period, due to the rise in scams involving bank transfers through the Central Bank of Cuba's app Transfermóvil, a Cuban man created a video demonstrating how criminals carry out these thefts. He urged his followers to be wary of what he called "scammers" and to share the video "with all your acquaintances to unmask these thieves."
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud in Cuba
Given the rise in fraud cases in Cuba, many people have questions about how these scams operate and what to do if they fall victim to one. Here are some of the most common questions and answers.
What should I do if I suspect someone is trying to scam me?
If you suspect a scam, do not proceed with the transaction and report the incident to local authorities immediately. It's crucial to have all the necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim.
How can I protect myself from currency exchange scams?
To protect yourself, always use reputable and licensed exchange services. Avoid conducting transactions with unknown individuals and verify all details before proceeding with any transfer.
What actions are being taken by the authorities to combat these scams?
Cuban authorities have been actively dismantling fraud rings and arresting individuals involved in these illegal activities. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate citizens on how to avoid falling victim to scams.