Scam in CubaTheft
Night-time mugging in Cuba
How it works
Muggings have occurred on dark streets at night. This is a theft risk rather than a sales scam.
Warning signs
- The route is dark and has few people around.
- Someone follows you or blocks your path.
How to avoid it
- Avoid walking through dark streets of Centro Habana at night.
- Use well-lit, busy routes; El Malecón is identified as a better walking option.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
If it happens to you
Do not resist or chase the attacker. Move somewhere safe, seek medical help if needed and report the theft to police.
- 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 night-time mugging scam in Cuba?
Muggings have occurred on dark streets at night. This is a theft risk rather than a sales scam.
How can I spot it early?
The route is dark and has few people around. Someone follows you or blocks your path.
How do I avoid night-time mugging in Cuba?
Avoid walking through dark streets of Centro Habana at night. Use well-lit, busy routes; El Malecón is identified as a better walking option. Keep valuables out of sight.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist or chase the attacker. Move somewhere safe, seek medical help if needed and report the theft to police.
Where in Cuba does this happen?
Dark streets of Centro Habana at night 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.
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