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A new type of scam related to the buying and selling of motorcycles has been reported in Guantánamo, where at least one person was affected after falling for a theft disguised as a rental.
According to a warning by the user Alexander Ríos Cruz on Facebook, this practice involves renting out a motorcycle and handing over the identity card so that the customer can take a photograph of it as a guarantee.
However, once the vehicle is in the hands of a third party, the supposed owner sells it through another means and then reports it as stolen.
“They rent you the motorcycle, they give you their ID to take a photograph as a guarantee, then they sell the motorcycle and report it as stolen, and you never see it again,” Ríos reported in a post made this Wednesday.
In the case you described, the motorcycle was eventually recovered, but the people who purchased it lost all their money, with no possibility of recovering it or filing a legal claim, as the vehicle was reported stolen.
The post has raised concerns among social media users and residents in Guantánamo and other provinces, with some even sharing similar incidents.
Adany Crespo said: “I’m from Artemisa, and I experienced the same thing; in my case, the person who rented me the motorcycle is in jail and nothing has happened with the motorcycle.”
On his part, Eduardo García shared a warning and advice: “A motorcycle should not be lent or rented out, learn that today’s times are not what they used to be.”
For Milagros Ramírez, the issue runs much deeper: “Do you know what the problem is? Here, laziness is tolerated; they don’t study, they don’t work, their minds aren’t occupied with anything good, with prospering or moving forward. The government should create a workforce throughout the province and put all those lands that aren’t being worked to cultivating rice, tobacco, and coffee.”
Insecurity related to motorcycle thefts and scams continues to rise in various provinces of Cuba.
A Cuban resident in Miami was a victim of a scam while attempting to buy an electric motorcycle for his sister on the island, losing $1,200 after being contacted by supposed sellers on Revolico who vanished with the money.
In Santiago de Cuba, the police organized a political event to return seven stolen motorcycles, while citizens questioned the effectiveness of the MININT and reported the wave of thefts and assaults affecting those who rely on these vehicles for work.
A desperate Cuban offered 200,000 pesos as a reward for his stolen motorcycle in Havana, reflecting a widespread situation that also led to a reward of 1,000 dollars being offered in Villa Clara for information that could help recover another stolen vehicle.
Crimes are not limited to digital scams or simple thefts. A security camera in Havana captured the exact moment an electric motorcycle was stolen, highlighting the audacity of the criminals, even in busy areas and in broad daylight.
The seriousness of the phenomenon is also evident in police operations. A recent operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals involved in a million-dollar motorcycle theft in Pinar del Río, confirming the existence of organized networks that operate with violence and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Scams and Theft in Cuba
What does the new motorcycle scam in Guantánamo involve?
The scam involves renting a motorcycle and handing over the identity card so that the customer can photograph it as a guarantee. Then, the alleged owner sells the motorcycle through another means and reports it as stolen, leaving the buyer with no legal recourse.
What is the impact of these scams on the Guantánamo community?
These scams have raised concern among residents and social media users, as similar cases have been reported in other provinces. The lack of trust and insecurity are growing, affecting daily life and vehicle buying and selling transactions.
What measures are being taken in response to the increase in motorcycle thefts and scams in Cuba?
Despite the operations of the Ministry of the Interior, such as the one that took place in Baracoa, the institutional response seems more focused on punitive sanctions than on preventive measures, which generates criticism from the population and highlights the lack of effective solutions to prevent these crimes.
How can citizens protect themselves from scams when buying or renting motorcycles in Cuba?
To avoid becoming a victim of scams, it is crucial to verify the legality of transactions, demand complete documentation, and avoid deals that seem suspicious, in addition to being informed about common criminal methods in the area.
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