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A Cuban resident in Miami publicly reported being a victim of a scam for $1,200 while trying to purchase an electric motorcycle in Cuba, intending to give it as a gift to his sister.
Pedro Galván Leiva reported on Facebook that he was contacted by alleged sellers in the group Revolico Caibarién “Los Playeros,” where a user identified as Angi Díaz González was promoting “new electric motorcycles 2025, 0 kilometers,” with prices in dollars, euros, and Zelle. The ads claimed that the scooters included a warranty, proper documentation, keys, and a charger.
The affected person pointed directly to a WhatsApp profile linked to the post. According to their testimony, after sending the agreed amount of money, the supposed sellers disappeared without delivering the motorcycle.
“Today I just had 1,200 dollars stolen from me and I can't believe they are playing with a girl's hopes, because it was for my sister and look at all that happened”, Galván lamented in his report.
The Cuban urged the population to be cautious with these offers and reflected on the needs that exist on the island. "People are so desperate in Cuba that they can't earn their money honestly and have to resort to scamming others," he wrote.
Scams on the rise
This case once again highlights the increase in scams on informal platforms such as Revolico and Facebook groups, where many Cubans turn to buying and selling products due to shortages in the state market and the high prices in official stores.
Electric scooters, in particular, are in high demand on the island due to the lack of public transportation and the high cost of fuel, which has made their marketing a fertile ground for scammers.
While Galván demands justice and warns others who send money to their relatives on the island, his case reflects the drama of thousands of Cubans who, amidst the crisis, search for alternatives to support their loved ones, only to end up being victims of deceit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scams and Purchasing Electric Motorcycles in Cuba
What happened to the Cuban from Miami who reported a scam after buying an electric motorcycle in Cuba?
Pedro Galván Leiva, a Cuban resident in Miami, was scammed out of $1,200 while trying to buy an electric motorcycle in Cuba. The purchase was intended for his sister, but after sending the money to the supposed sellers, they vanished without delivering the vehicle. Galván publicly shared his complaint on social media to alert others about this type of fraud.
Why are scams common in the sale of electric motorcycles in Cuba?
Scams in the sale of electric motorcycles in Cuba have increased due to the high demand for these vehicles. As they provide a solution to the public transportation crisis and the high cost of fuel, many turn to informal platforms to purchase them. This situation has been exploited by scammers who take advantage of the lack of regulation and the desperation of buyers.
What are the risks of purchasing electric motorcycles through social media in Cuba?
Buying electric motorcycles through social media in Cuba carries significant risks of fraud. In addition to the potential for losing money, buyers may receive defective products or nothing at all. Scams are common due to the lack of regulation and the desperation to acquire vehicles in a market with a shortage of safe options.
What measures has the Cuban government taken regarding the sale of electric motorcycles?
The Cuban government has expanded the network of authorized entities to sell electric and combustion motorcycles in foreign currency. However, this measure has faced criticism for exacerbating the dollarization of the market and not providing a real solution to the transportation problem, as transactions are conducted in dollars, excluding the majority of the population who earn salaries in national currency.
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