Several WhatsApp and Messenger users in Cuba went to social networks to report that their respective accounts were being stolen by strangers, with the aim of asking their contacts for money or recharges.
“Please they just told me that they are using my WhatsApp account to ask for money. I’m fine and it’s not me, ”Internet user Carmen María Omaras, a native of Havana and current resident of Hialeah Gardens, Florida, warned last Friday on Facebook.
In a matter of hours, one of her acquaintances responded to the publication stating that, indeed, a message had reached him “from her.” However, on suspicion he decided to block the number.
Something similar happened to Alter Boris, who, through Elizabeth Rodil’s Facebook profile, made her story known. As explained by the citizen, the alleged criminals usurped his WhatsApp account to ask for about $ 450 from some of the people he had registered in his contact list.
The scam was confirmed by the portal Cuban newspaper, where several readers sent screenshots. In the images you can see how alleged acquaintances ask users for a recharge, claiming a change in phone number.
Telephone scams in Cuba
Telephone frauds have become increasingly frequent on the island. Last June, for example, dissimilar users reported that their Nauta accounts were being usurped by bots that operated from the Telegram messaging platform. Victims had their balance stolen under the promise of a recharge at the business office.
“We, the users who do not know about technology, are the most exposed,” commented at that time a user identified as Rosa Fuentes after the Cuban telecommunications monopoly, ETECSA, refused to help her with this situation.
Almost two years ago, the newspaper Granma —Official organ of the Communist Party of Cuba— echoed a similar scam. Etecsa clients received messages, on behalf of Cubacel, indicating that they had received a “transfer”. Days later, they were contacted by an “individual”, who explained that they had made a wrong balance transfer.
“I gave you eight CUC and I need you to give it back to me (…) Throw me a rope, please,” they said.
Regarding this modality, sources from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) have advised on several occasions that in case of falling victims, proceed with the corresponding complaint. Law No. 62 Penal Code contemplates penalties of between three months to ten years of deprivation of liberty against those who commit the crime of fraud. This sanction is also accompanied by fines of various amounts.
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