María Padilla, a Cuban resident, took to social media to express her frustration after police officers in Camagüey refused to investigate an attempted phone scam she reported. Despite providing specific information about the alleged scammers, the authorities declined to act.
In a Facebook post last Saturday, Padilla detailed how she received a call on her landline from someone pretending to be a representative of Cubamax. The caller claimed she had a package awaiting delivery and offered a messaging service for 1,500 pesos, urging her to authenticate via the Transfermóvil app and complete a so-called "verification code."
The scam became evident when the caller requested her to enter an amount of 45,000 pesos. Two days later, Padilla visited the nearest police station to file a formal complaint. However, the officer on duty informed her that the case could not proceed since the fraud was not completed.
"If the scam did not succeed, it does not qualify as an attempted scam. We can only take your statement and file it away," the officer responded, concluding the conversation with a resigned "it is what it is."
Legal and Social Implications of Police Inaction
Padilla noted that the officer admitted such complaints are received up to "four times a day," yet reiterated their inability to investigate due to the "confidential" nature of card and phone details. She lamented that effectively, "you have to get scammed; the victim is at fault, not the scammer."
The organization Cubalex responded to the incident, reminding on Facebook that the Cuban Penal Code, in its articles 13 and 14, states that an attempt is punishable when a person begins actions aimed at committing a crime, even if not completed. In cases of fraud, they emphasized, merely contacting the victim and using sensitive data like card numbers or phone numbers constitutes an initiation of the crime.
Cubalex pointed out that the police's refusal not only contradicts the law but could also be seen as dereliction of duty, as the officer failed to perform their responsibilities. Additionally, it fosters a sense of re-victimization and leaves citizens unprotected against a growing criminal phenomenon.
Broader Impact of Online Scams
The organization highlighted the double standard of Cuban authorities: while they deploy resources to track phones and monitor communications of regime critics, they claim limitations in investigating common crimes that directly affect the population.
"Refusing to register these complaints perpetuates impunity, re-victimizes citizens, and weakens access to justice," concluded Cubalex.
In recent months, reports of scams involving internet use and remittances to Cuba have surged, highlighting user vulnerability amid an economic crisis. One young resident of the island explained how she lost part of her savings to a digital scam, emphasizing the difficulty of recovering when "every peso is hard-earned."
Soon after, a fake promotion offering 60 GB of free internet circulated on social media, trapping hundreds of people with the promise of unlimited access. This fraud scheme, disguised as an official offer, was quickly debunked by cybersecurity experts and went viral as users warned others of the deception.
The impact of these crimes is also felt in the provinces. In Cienfuegos, a Cuban recounted how his mother fell victim to a scam while trying to access a seemingly reliable service. The frustration and financial harm add to the sense of helplessness against increasingly sophisticated fraud mechanisms.
The overseas community is not immune either. In Miami, a Cuban reported being defrauded in an online transaction that cost him 1,200 dollars, a significant blow for any family. Such cases demonstrate that the issue extends beyond national borders, affecting the diaspora where many attempt to support their families on the island, only to fall prey to fraudulent networks.
Understanding the Challenges of Fraud Prevention in Cuba
What are the legal consequences of attempted fraud in Cuba?
According to the Cuban Penal Code, specifically articles 13 and 14, an attempt is punishable when actions are initiated to commit a crime, even if not completed. This includes using sensitive information such as card numbers or phone numbers.
How do Cuban authorities typically handle fraud complaints?
Cuban authorities often face criticism for their handling of fraud complaints. Many victims report that police refuse to investigate unless the fraud is completed, citing confidentiality issues with card and phone data.