Last Friday night, a private business in Cuba fell victim to a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by two individuals who manipulated currency to deceive the establishment. This incident was captured by a security camera.
According to a report received by elTOQUE, the scammers requested a product and paid with a 1,000-peso bill. After receiving the item and change, they questioned the price, arguing it was too expensive, and demanded a refund. When the employee returned the 1,000-peso bill, the scammers quickly concealed it and produced a 100-CUP bill from their other hand. They then claimed the vendor had returned the wrong bill, successfully obtaining a second 1,000-peso bill and walking away with more money than they originally had, as detailed in the report to elTOQUE.
The surveillance footage, which clearly shows the scam in action, highlights how the perpetrators exploited confusion to execute their deception. In the comments section, some online users noted that this trick, known as a "switcheroo," is not a new tactic. Others advised cashiers to announce the amount of change aloud each time to prevent such scams.
Earlier in January, a Cuban publicly exposed a scam method operating on social media, designed to trick unsuspecting users through fake bank transactions. He quickly identified the scam attempt and shared his experience to warn others. Reinaldo Suárez explained in the Facebook group "Bazar Santiago de Cuba" how the fraudsters operate. According to his post, they use Facebook ads offering cash in exchange for bank transfers. Once interested, they request the victim's phone number, access their profile, copy a photo of a friend, and contact the person via WhatsApp, pretending to be that friend to gain trust.
Also in January, a local development project in Ciego de Ávila, known as La Finquita, issued a public alert after discovering counterfeit ice cream being sold under their brand. They reported that unscrupulous individuals buy lower-quality ice cream, repackage it in La Finquita containers with fake labels, and sell it primarily through social media.
In December, two young Cuban women were deceived in the classic "ring scam" at a park in Guantánamo by two strangers. The young women, cousins aged 20 and 23, were shopping in the city center when they were approached by two men who claimed to have found a supposedly 14k gold ring and offered to trade it for the chains the women were wearing.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them in Cuba
What is the "switcheroo" scam mentioned in the article?
The "switcheroo" scam involves deceiving a cashier by pretending that the wrong bill has been returned, thereby obtaining additional money through confusion.
How can businesses protect themselves from scams like these?
Businesses can protect themselves by training staff to announce transaction details aloud, closely monitor cash transactions, and utilize security cameras to deter potential scammers.
What should individuals do if they suspect a scam on social media?
If a scam is suspected on social media, individuals should avoid sharing personal information, verify the identity of the person contacting them, and report the suspicious activity to the platform.