Yordanka Garrido, a Cuban content creator known on social media as @yordankagarrido, has raised the alarm about a recent telephone scam that is affecting many families across the island, particularly in the Matanzas province.
Scammers reach out to potential victims, claiming they have a package arriving from abroad. To receive it, individuals are told they must prepay an alleged delivery fee via the Transfermóvil app.
In certain instances, these fraudsters demand that individuals verify their bank details and transfer funds to a card, threatening that failure to do so will result in the package being returned to the sender.
"My mother-in-law just messaged me to ask if we sent her anything. A fake agency contacted her, claiming they're en route from Matanzas to deliver her package, but she needs to take some steps using her phone and Transfermóvil," Garrido shared. "They requested her to verify her details and transfer money to a card for the postal package cost, insisting that without this, they won't deliver."
Fortunately, her mother-in-law quickly suspected the scam.
"She said she didn't have a connection at the moment and couldn't make the payment. She immediately called us because she wasn't expecting any package. I'm sharing this so people in Cuba and the U.S. don't fall for it,” Garrido explained in her video.
Following her warning, several users on social media confirmed experiencing similar situations, particularly those residing in Matanzas and the Colón municipality, indicating that these scammers are actively targeting that region.
While such scams are not new in Cuba, they have surged alongside the rise of digital commerce and mobile transfers. Most victims are unable to recover their money because Cuban banking authorities claim they cannot reverse transactions that users voluntarily initiate.
Reports highlight a lack of oversight and monitoring of digital transactions, a significant issue as Cubans increasingly depend on platforms like Transfermóvil and EnZona for everyday transactions.
Experts and users advise against sharing personal or banking information over the phone and recommend verifying any details about packages or remittances directly with official agencies or family members abroad before proceeding with any transaction.
Understanding the Package Delivery Scam in Cuba
How do scammers deceive people with package delivery scams?
Scammers claim that the victim has a package from abroad and request a prepayment for delivery via a mobile app. They may also ask for bank details with threats of returning the package if payment isn't made.
What should individuals do if they suspect a scam?
If suspicious of a scam, avoid sharing personal or banking information. Verify package details directly with official agencies or family members before making any transactions.
Why are these scams increasing in Cuba?
The rise in digital commerce and mobile transactions has made it easier for scammers to exploit users who rely on these platforms for financial activities.