What was meant to be a dream Caribbean getaway turned into a nightmare for a pair of influencers, whose ordeal has captured global attention. Justin and Alina, a young couple residing in Australia (she originally from Russia and he from Hong Kong), shared a video titled "The Hidden Side of Cuba (Why We Won’t Return)" on their YouTube channel, revealing how they were scammed and extorted during their holiday on the island.
With a YouTube following of over 130,000 subscribers, Justin & Alina have chronicled their journeys across Asia and Europe. However, their recent experience in Cuba left a bitter taste, prompting them to warn their digital community.
A Deceptive Offer of Homemade Mojitos
In their video, which has garnered more than 70,000 views since its release on May 1, 2025, the couple details an incident that allegedly took place in Havana’s historic district. Their troubles began when a seemingly friendly local approached them, offering "homemade" mojitos and leading them to what he claimed was a local bar off the beaten tourist path.
Initially, they were assured the drinks were inexpensive. However, after taking just a sip, they were shocked to be charged $45 per cocktail. When they objected, having only brought enough cash for daily meals, the situation quickly escalated.
According to Justin and Alina, they were surrounded, pressured, and threatened, unable to leave until they handed over all the cash they had on them. “They yelled at us, pushed us, and scrutinized our backpack. It was an emotional and physical ambush. We never imagined that accepting a friendly drink could lead to such aggression,” they recounted in their video.
No Help, No Understanding: "To Them, We Were Just Cash Cows"
The couple tried reasoning with the scammers, explaining they hadn't agreed to the drinks knowing the price, but were met with hostility and sarcasm. “They didn’t care that Alina was crying or that we were visibly distressed. They showed no empathy whatsoever. They even told us to call the police, as if they knew nothing would happen,” they stated.
This episode not only tarnished their experience on the island but also their overall perception of the country. "We wanted to discover the real Cuba, but what we encountered was a coordinated trap to squeeze every penny out of us," they said.
As they walked the streets following the incident, locals made cynical remarks, seemingly aware of what had happened: "Ah, so it was you. Welcome to my country."
A Symptom of a Deeper Issue
While the content creators acknowledge Cuba’s natural beauty and the warmth of some of its people, they stress that incidents like these — which also involve scams in restaurants, rental homes, and tourist services — severely damage the country’s image and discourage future visitors.
Their story has resonated on social media, with many other tourists sharing similar accounts of being scammed during their stay in Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuban authorities have yet to publicly address these practices, which continue to occur openly and often with impunity.
Widespread Problem: Tourists Warn of Scams in Cuba
Justin and Alina’s experience is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling trend affecting numerous visitors to Cuba. In recent years, various tourists have reported being victims of scams and deceit during their time on the island.
In March 2025, a young Spanish tourist identified as @juditgm96 on TikTok shared her experience in Cuba, warning about common scams such as street currency exchanges, fake cigars, and taxis without set fares. She advised other travelers to negotiate prices in advance and avoid informal transactions to prevent being duped.
In May 2023, an Austrian tourist reported being swindled out of 60,000 euros by a Cuban family. After years of friendship, she lent them money to purchase a house in Santiago de Cuba, only to return and find the locks changed and demands for more money to retrieve her belongings. Cuban authorities dismissed her case, citing a lack of a written contract.
Back in 2018, deceptive practices were reported in state-owned establishments where employees inflated prices for tourists or manipulated labels to confuse customers. Some viewed these actions as crafty exploits of the supposed naivety of foreign visitors.
Additionally, in 2016, a Cuban woman was accused of defrauding 60 Italian tourists of more than 40,000 euros, promising to organize a New Year’s vacation in Cuba. After receiving payments, she disappeared without delivering the promised services.
These incidents highlight a persistent issue within Cuba’s tourism sector, where inadequate regulation and economic hardship have fostered an environment ripe for scams. The testimonies of victims like Justin and Alina, Judit Gómez, and others underscore the urgent need for measures to protect visitors and preserve the integrity of tourism on the island.
Understanding Tourist Scams in Cuba
What types of scams are tourists facing in Cuba?
Tourists in Cuba have reported various scams, including overpriced drinks, fake cigars, misleading currency exchanges, and unregulated taxi fares. Some have also encountered housing scams or inflated prices in state-run establishments.
How can travelers protect themselves from scams in Cuba?
Travelers can protect themselves by researching common scams beforehand, negotiating prices upfront, avoiding informal transactions, and staying in reputable accommodations. Being cautious and aware of their surroundings can also help.
Has the Cuban government addressed these tourist scams?
As of now, there has been no public response from Cuban authorities regarding the scams reported by tourists. These practices continue to occur with little to no intervention, affecting the country's tourism reputation.