"Beware of free things in this country": Cuban recounts his experience in a store in the U.S.

A Cuban in the U.S. warns about "free" offers after receiving sales calls following participation in a raffle. He emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal information when migrating.


A Cuban resident in the United States shared a video on TikTok recounting an experience he had at a popular store, warning other migrants about the seemingly "free" offers in the country.

The TikTok user @cortinasmontero recounted how, after participating in a supposed raffle to win 500 euros, he ended up receiving persistent calls to purchase a home water filter.

According to his testimony, participation in the raffle required providing personal information, including his phone number, which opened the door to an unwanted marketing strategy.

"Beware of free things in this country", he stated in the video, warning about the importance of being cautious with promotions that seem too good to be true.

The Cuban explained that when filling out the form for the raffle, he had no suspicion that his information would be used for commercial purposes. Shortly after, he received a call in which they tried to sell him a water filtration system, a situation he found misleading and which, according to him, reflects how some promotions work in the United States.

The migrant's warning has resonated among their followers, many of whom shared similar experiences in the comments of the video.

Some users pointed out that these practices are common in the country and advised to read the terms and conditions carefully before participating in any type of promotion.

Stories like this serve as a reminder for newcomers to stay vigilant and not to compromise their personal information without prior research.

While not all offers are fraudulent, many rely on aggressive sales strategies that can be uncomfortable or misleading.

The message from the Cuban serves as a valuable lesson for those starting their lives in the United States, in an environment where "free" often comes with hidden conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scams and Experiences of Cuban Immigrants in the United States

How to identify misleading offers in the United States?

To identify misleading offers in the United States, it is important to be vigilant about promotions that seem too good to be true. Always read the terms and conditions, and be cautious of those that request personal information such as phone numbers or addresses without a clear reason. These strategies are often used for aggressive marketing tactics or even scams.

What should Cuban immigrants consider to protect their personal information?

To protect their personal information, Cuban immigrants should avoid providing sensitive data to unverified promotions or raffles. It is advisable to research the legitimacy of any offer and to be cautious when sharing information on forms, especially at public or commercial events.

What marketing strategies can be misleading for newly arrived migrants in the United States?

Marketing strategies that can be misleading include raffles that collect personal information under the pretense of "free" offers. These often lead to aggressive sales campaigns or even fraud, making it essential to read any associated documents carefully and consult the experiences of other migrants.

What types of scams do newly arrived Cubans in the United States face?

Newly arrived Cubans may encounter scams related to fake products such as jewelry and perfumes, as well as deceptive tactics in door-to-door sales. These scams take advantage of the lack of knowledge about the local market and excessive trust, making it crucial to stay informed and be cautious.

How can migrants avoid falling victim to scams upon arriving in the United States?

To avoid falling victim to scams, migrants should stay informed about common fraud tactics. Being wary of offers that seem too good to be true, avoiding purchasing products from strangers, and seeking advice from trustworthy individuals or local communities are effective measures for protection.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.