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Common in Cuba

Scam in CubaCards and ATMs

Card fraud and disguised cash advances in Cuba

Card transactions, including small shops and adjacent bank counters

How it works

A dishonest employee takes your card away and uses it to obtain a cash advance instead of processing the expected purchase. They keep the money. Other credit card scams are also reported.

Warning signs

  • An employee tries to take your card out of sight.
  • A shop worker takes the card to an adjacent bank counter.
  • The receipt or amount does not match the purchase you expected.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your card in sight throughout the transaction.
  2. Watch the card being processed.
  3. Read the receipt and amount before signing; do not sign if anything looks wrong.
  4. Use reputable banks or hotels for withdrawals.

If it happens to you

Contact your card issuer promptly. Freeze or block the card if needed, dispute unauthorised transactions and keep the receipts.

  1. Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who threatens you.
  2. If a card is involved, contact the issuer immediately. Freeze or block it and report unauthorised payments.
  3. Save receipts, contracts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location, amount lost and a description of those involved.
  4. Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance purposes.
  5. Contact your insurer if you may have a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
Where it happensCard transactions, including small shops and adjacent bank counters

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in CubaMoney-changing helper who disappears: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the card fraud and disguised cash advances scam in Cuba?

A dishonest employee takes your card away and uses it to obtain a cash advance instead of processing the expected purchase. They keep the money. Other credit card scams are also reported.

How can I spot it early?

An employee tries to take your card out of sight. A shop worker takes the card to an adjacent bank counter. The receipt or amount does not match the purchase you expected.

How do I avoid card fraud and disguised cash advances in Cuba?

Keep your card in sight throughout the transaction. Watch the card being processed. Read the receipt and amount before signing; do not sign if anything looks wrong. Use reputable banks or hotels for withdrawals.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Contact your card issuer promptly. Freeze or block the card if needed, dispute unauthorised transactions and keep the receipts.

Where in Cuba does this happen?

Card transactions, including small shops and adjacent bank counters

How common is this scam in Cuba?

Common. Cuba is generally safe, but scams targeting tourists are common. The main risks are inflated taxi fares, costly invitations from strangers, dubious cigars, money-changing tricks and card fraud. Theft is also possible, including night-time muggings in parts of Havana.

Who can I report it to?

National Revolutionary Police: call 106 in an emergency. For a non-emergency theft or fraud report, seek help from a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer: use your issuer's official app or published contact number to block a compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Business management: for disputed restaurant bills, missing change or rental surcharges, show your receipts or written agreement and ask a manager to resolve the charge. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Your embassy or consulate: contact its official consular service if your passport is stolen or you need urgent consular assistance.

What number do I call in an emergency in Cuba?

National Revolutionary Police: 106, SIUM ambulance services: 104, Fire Department: 105.

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