"Be very careful with this": Cuban warns of scam after losing money to a supposed jewelry store on TikTok

A Cuban woman in the U.S. reported a scam after receiving a fake check in an alleged collaboration with a TikTok jewelry brand. She lost $200 and warns about similar frauds on social media.

Cuban warns of a scamPhoto © @cla_udi.96 / TikTok

A Cuban resident in the United States reported on TikTok that she was a victim of a scam involving fake checks after agreeing to what appeared to be an advertising collaboration with an alleged jewelry store.

"I'm here to share a story so that this doesn't happen to you," the young woman began her video. She recounted that she was approached to promote some jewelry in exchange for 400 dollars: 200 at the start and 200 upon completing the contract.

The victim explained that after accepting, she received a digital check for $445 and deposited it into her bank account. However, the person who hired her asked her to transfer $245 to an alleged supplier, which raised her suspicions.

"I already saw a huge red flag there," she reported. Despite her husband's warning, the Cuban woman agreed to send the money, but shortly after, the bank notified her that the check had insufficient funds and the transfer was rejected.

Finally, the young woman lost 200 dollars of her own money and publicly reported the fraud to warn other social media users. "Be very careful with this, really," she warned.

In recent months, reports of attempted digital scams targeting Cubans in the United States have multiplied, taking advantage of the popularity of platforms like TikTok and the rise of online advertising collaborations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Scams and How to Protect Yourself

How to identify a digital scam on platforms like TikTok?

Digital scams often include offers that seem too good to be true, such as advance payments for services not rendered or requests to send money to third parties. They may involve fake profiles or accounts that try to build trust quickly. Always be cautious of proposals that require money transfers based on checks that have not yet been verified by your bank.

What precautions can I take to avoid falling victim to a counterfeit check scam?

To avoid falling for counterfeit check scams, never accept checks from people or companies that you do not know well. If you receive a check, wait for the bank to confirm the funds before sending any money. Additionally, be especially cautious if you are asked to transfer a portion of the check amount to another person or account.

What should I do if I believe I have been a victim of an online scam?

If you suspect that you have been a victim of an online scam, act quickly to minimize the damage. Contact your bank to stop any suspicious transactions and report the incident to local authorities. Change your passwords and monitor your bank accounts for any unusual activity.

How can I protect my personal information from online fraud?

To protect your personal information, never share sensitive data such as passwords, banking information, or social security numbers on unsecured platforms. Ensure that websites are legitimate and have adequate security measures in place before entering your personal information. Additionally, keep your devices updated with security software.

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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.