A young Cuban woman living on the island reported through her TikTok profile the alleged scam she, her sister, and other neighbors in her area suffered at the hands of the electricity collector, which forced them to pay several months' worth of bills again to avoid losing their service.
"We had to pay for electricity for five months because the person who was charging us scammed me, my sister, and everyone in my neighborhood," reported the user @sheyreyes03 in a video posted on the Chinese social network.
The young woman presented evidence of the payment of the electricity bills and explained that, despite proving they had fulfilled their obligations, the authorities from the electricity service informed them that they bore no responsibility for the fraud and that they needed to pay again to avoid having their supply cut off.
"We are not at fault for that man scamming us, and here is the proof that all the bills were paid. They told us they were not responsible for that and that we had to pay the electricity bill again,” she added.
In the video, the affected individual revealed that her sister had to pay 3,000 pesos and she 700 to avoid losing electricity. "But we had to pay it because otherwise, we would never have power again, they told us", she stated.
The case has generated outrage among internet users, who criticized the lack of accountability from the electric company and the abuse suffered by the affected customers.
So far, Cuban authorities have not provided an official response regarding the situation reported by the young woman. However, similar incidents have been reported on the island, where the payment for public services through intermediaries has led to fraud and abuse amidst the economic crisis the country is facing.
The video of the complaint has generated thousands of reactions on social media, reflecting the frustration of Cubans regarding the inefficiency and lack of protection against such irregularities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fraud and Electrical Supply Issues in Cuba
What happened with the alleged electricity collector scam in Cuba?
A young Cuban woman reported on TikTok that she, her sister, and other neighbors were scammed by the electricity collector. They were charged for months of service without that money being actually paid to the electric company, forcing them to pay again to avoid having their service cut off. Despite presenting proof of payment, the authorities took no responsibility for the fraud.
How does the electricity crisis affect Cubans in their daily lives?
Frequent and prolonged blackouts in Cuba affect multiple aspects of daily life. They disrupt food storage, communication, and the use of appliances, generating frustration and discontent among the population. Moreover, blackouts create opportunities for abuse, such as excessive charges for essential services like charging a mobile phone.
What has been the Cuban government's response to these situations?
Up to now, the Cuban authorities have not provided an official response regarding the reported scam nor have they offered effective solutions to the electricity crisis. The lack of responsibility and action from the government generates outrage and distrust among the citizens.
How are Cubans adapting to the energy crisis?
Due to the lack of electricity, Cubans turn to creative and improvised solutions, such as using generators or cooking with firewood. Social media serves as a platform where citizens share their experiences and frustrations, as well as their ingenuity in facing adversity.
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