Scam in CubaShopping
Change deliberately withheld in Cuba
How it works
An employee keeps your change and starts serving the next customer. They may assume you cannot speak enough Spanish to challenge them.
Warning signs
- The employee moves to the next customer before returning your change.
- They avoid confirming how much cash you handed over.
- The returned amount is less than expected.
How to avoid it
- Pay the exact amount when possible.
- State or show how much money you are handing over.
- Work out the change before paying.
- Count the change at the counter.
If it happens to you
Ask for the missing change immediately. Show the amount paid and the amount owed, and request a manager if necessary.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who threatens you.
- If a card is involved, contact the issuer immediately. Freeze or block it and report unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, contracts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location, amount lost and a description of those involved.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance purposes.
- Contact your insurer if you may have a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the change deliberately withheld scam in Cuba?
An employee keeps your change and starts serving the next customer. They may assume you cannot speak enough Spanish to challenge them.
How can I spot it early?
The employee moves to the next customer before returning your change. They avoid confirming how much cash you handed over. The returned amount is less than expected.
How do I avoid change deliberately withheld in Cuba?
Pay the exact amount when possible. State or show how much money you are handing over. Work out the change before paying. Count the change at the counter.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for the missing change immediately. Show the amount paid and the amount owed, and request a manager if necessary.
Where in Cuba does this happen?
Shops and places taking cash payments, including Havana It has been reported in Havana.
How common is this scam in Cuba?
Occasional. 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.
Are there similar scams in Cuba?
Yes: fake or dubious discount cigars.
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.
Reviewed by @snuck