Scam in CubaShopping
Fake or dubious discount cigars in Cuba
How it works
Touts sell convincing-looking cigars of uncertain authenticity. Some may be genuine but stolen or untaxed. In Habana Vieja, sellers may claim a Cigar Festival is happening today or offer access to a Cigar Cooperativa selling from homes. They may pressure you to buy a whole box.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers cigars at a large discount.
- A seller claims a Cigar Festival is on today or promotes a Cigar Cooperativa.
- You are pushed to buy a full box when you only want a few.
How to avoid it
- Buy from official cigar dealers if you cannot judge authenticity.
- Decline street offers and introductions to private cigar sales.
- Do not treat a hotel doorman's offer as proof that the sale is legitimate.
If it happens to you
Keep any receipt and seller details. Do not assume the cigars are genuine or that untaxed purchases will pass customs.
- 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.
- Redditr/cuba2023Scamming is world-wide; Cuba is not immune; Are there scams specific to Cuba visitors should watch out for?Commenters describe counterfeit cigars promoted through supposed national cigar-day discounts and encounters with sellers offering poor-quality cigars.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/cuba2023We got scammed in havana. Can anyone tell me more about it? (sorry for the long post)A traveller describes strangers steering them toward a supposed local cigar festival selling cheap cigars.Read on Reddit
- Travel blogCuba – 2022 July – Travel BlogThe author recounts a friendly couple persistently trying to lead them into a rundown building to buy cigars from a supposed workers’ cooperative.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the fake or dubious discount cigars scam in Cuba?
Touts sell convincing-looking cigars of uncertain authenticity. Some may be genuine but stolen or untaxed. In Habana Vieja, sellers may claim a Cigar Festival is happening today or offer access to a Cigar Cooperativa selling from homes. They may pressure you to buy a whole box.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers cigars at a large discount. A seller claims a Cigar Festival is on today or promotes a Cigar Cooperativa. You are pushed to buy a full box when you only want a few.
How do I avoid fake or dubious discount cigars in Cuba?
Buy from official cigar dealers if you cannot judge authenticity. Decline street offers and introductions to private cigar sales. Do not treat a hotel doorman's offer as proof that the sale is legitimate.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep any receipt and seller details. Do not assume the cigars are genuine or that untaxed purchases will pass customs.
Where in Cuba does this happen?
Street sales, hotel entrances and private homes; especially Habana Vieja It has been reported in Havana.
How much can it cost me?
Home-sale offers may claim half price. Hotel doormen may offer untaxed cigars at around one-tenth of the taxed price.
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.
Are there similar scams in Cuba?
Yes: change deliberately withheld.
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