Alexis Boentes, a Cuban journalist currently working as a reporter for Telemundo 51, recently shared his near-miss experience with a phone scam just before embarking on a cruise from Miami. Despite his confidence in spotting fraud, he almost fell victim.
"I used to think, 'It's impossible for a scammer to get my money'; yet, I came close," Boentes revealed in a Facebook reel, aiming to warn others about his experience.
Unexpected Doubts Before Departure
The issue arose a few days before his trip. Boentes had personally booked his cruise and purchased a beverage package, but he became uncertain about the transaction's completion.
To verify, he picked up his phone, searched "MSC customer service" on Google, and dialed one of the numbers that appeared in the results.
A Deceptively Convincing Caller
Initially, the conversation seemed entirely credible. The supposed representative requested his name and surname and soon confirmed precise details about his booking.
"They said, 'Yes, exactly, your reservation is correct, you're set to sail on such a date, on this ship, departing from Miami, with a return trip,'" Boentes recounted.
The level of detail made Boentes momentarily believe he was indeed speaking with company personnel.
The Red Flags Appear
However, the situation took a turn when he was told of an alleged outstanding payment related to recreational activities and a security protocol for boarding.
The caller began pressuring him to make the supposed payment immediately using a credit card, warning that waiting until he reached the ship would incur higher costs.
"They did everything possible to get my card information and make that payment," he explained.
The pressure and unrecognized charges raised his suspicions. Boentes hung up without providing his financial details and waited until the next day to call again.
Discovering the Deception
This time, he avoided using a general internet search. Instead, he accessed the cruise company's official website to find their customer service number.
It was then he discovered the truth: the initial number he called was not affiliated with the company but with scammers attempting to obtain his card information.
Boentes noted that the criminals made the ruse believable by using his basic details to access his reservation and travel specifics.
"That's why they tried to confuse me, and at one point, I really thought I was talking to the cruise line," he admitted.
A Broader Warning
The journalist turned his experience into a warning for others, emphasizing that similar scams could target not only cruise lines but also airlines, utility companies, and other services.
"Always go to the official website, find the phone number, and never call a number you find on Google or social media. Protect your money," he advised.
Boentes' recounting of the scam attempt occurs amid frequent alerts about phone scams in South Florida.
In April, Plantation Police warned of criminals posing as officers to demand money, even spoofing official phone numbers and using real police names to lend credibility to their calls.
Authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls, withholding personal or financial information, and contacting the institution directly through official channels—a precaution that ultimately saved Boentes from revealing his card details.
Scam Tactics in South Florida
Another incident this year highlighted the extent of such scams: a woman lost $1,000 to a fraudulent call in Miami-Dade after a man impersonated a financial institution representative, convincing her to send money via Zelle.
In that case, the scam gained credibility because the call displayed a real number from the financial institution.
The victim was pressured with the false claim that her account was being used in fraudulent operations and ended up transferring the money, believing she was protecting her funds.
Miami-Dade authorities have already warned about the rise in scams through calls and messages, where criminals impersonate representatives of legitimate institutions, using pressure, fear, or seemingly authentic information to extract money or personal data.
Understanding Phone Scams in Miami
How can you protect yourself from phone scams?
To protect yourself, always verify phone numbers through official sources, avoid sharing personal or financial information over unsolicited calls, and hang up if you suspect fraud.
What should you do if you suspect a scam call?
If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any information, hang up immediately, and report the call to the relevant authorities or the institution being impersonated.