Copextel's branch in Santiago de Cuba has issued a warning this Monday regarding individuals fraudulently using the state company's name to deceive residents interested in acquiring solar panel systems for their homes.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the organization revealed that impostors are posing as representatives of the branch, promoting alleged commercial deals involving solar panels. This comes at a time when many families are seeking alternatives to cope with the ongoing power outages.
Copextel clarified that these systems have been sold to employees in prioritized sectors through pre-established communication channels between involved institutions, the commercial entity, and the beneficiaries.
The company emphasized that it does not engage in virtual sales nor does it request advance payments.
“We never conduct online sales. All transactions are in-person, and we do not request upfront payment for any product or service,” it clearly stated.
According to the Santiago branch, payments are executed through authorized methods in the country, which include cash, Transfermóvil, and Enzona.
Nevertheless, every transaction requires direct communication between the buyer and the company's specialists, who are responsible for explaining the purchasing conditions.
Copextel advised caution regarding suspicious messages received via WhatsApp, social networks, or phone calls from unverified senders. They also urged checking their official profiles before proceeding with any transaction.
Those needing to verify an offer were informed that Copextel's sales office is located at Aguilera and Padre Pico, known as El Machetazo, in Santiago de Cuba. The official phone numbers provided are 22653535, 22653550, and 22627266.
In the past, the company has issued similar warnings. In July, Copextel's branch in Artemisa also cautioned against fraudulent calls and messages where strangers used the company's name to demand advance payments for supposed solar panel systems.
That same month, Cuban content creator Luis Manresa recorded a call with an alleged scammer attempting to gain control of his WhatsApp account under the pretense of selling solar panels.
The scammer tried to convince him to link his account to another device, claiming it was necessary to manage a supposed warranty code.
In August, a Cuban woman residing in the United States reported losing $1,900 after criminals impersonated a friend via WhatsApp, requesting transfers related to purchasing an electric bicycle and a solar panel in Cuba.
Another incident, recorded in September in a report on scam methods investigated in Sancti Spíritus, involved a 65-year-old woman who fake solar energy system vendors attempted to charge approximately $3,000 through Zelle.
The woman refrained from making the transfer after the promised equipment failed to arrive at her home.
Scams have even resorted to using manipulated images generated by artificial intelligence to fake solar panel installations in buyers' homes, convincing their relatives abroad to send money.
Understanding Solar Panel Scams in Cuba
How are scammers using Copextel's name in Santiago de Cuba?
Scammers are posing as representatives of Copextel to promote fake commercial deals involving solar panel systems, deceiving citizens looking for energy alternatives.
What payment methods does Copextel authorize?
Copextel authorizes payments via cash, Transfermóvil, and Enzona, ensuring transactions are conducted through official and secure channels.
What should individuals do if they receive suspicious messages?
Individuals should verify the sender's authenticity, consult Copextel's official profiles, and avoid engaging with unverified messages on WhatsApp, social networks, or phone calls.