From commercial fraud to political fraud

Social media functions as a vast global marketplace. It offers useful products, genuine services, and legitimate opportunities. However, deceptions also abound: devices that promise miracles, impossible cures, “guaranteed” investments, fake stores, and so-called inventions that purportedly solve problems in minutes which science and industry have been tackling for decades.

One of the most widespread scams is the device that claims to reduce gasoline consumption by up to 40%. The advertisement asserts that manufacturers hide a mechanism that causes drivers to spend more, and a small device corrects this.

That statement is absurd: if a manufacturer could create cars that consumed 40% less fuel, it would become their primary competitive advantage and generate enormous profits. They wouldn't keep it a secret for decades.

Deception combines pseudoscience, conspiracy, and urgency. It lacks independent evidence or technical certifications. It demands distrust of the entire industry and belief in an emotional video.

The Federal Trade Commission of the United States reported that, in 2025, nearly 30% of those who lost money to scams indicated that the fraud began on social media. The losses exceeded $2.1 billion. More than 40% of those victims were drawn into the deception by purchasing a product advertised online.

In free societies, commercial fraud operates through deception. The scammer manipulates trust, hope, or greed with fake photos, fabricated celebrities, or impossible discounts. However, the victim can research, compare, report, request a refund, or alert others. The primary responsibility lies with the one who lies.

There is a form of propaganda that is much more dangerous: one that not only deceives but is also sustained by fear and punishment. That is the propaganda of totalitarian regimes.

In Cuba, the political scam involves presenting the Communist Party alongside the Fatherland, the electoral farce as democratic elections, and forced obedience as genuine popular support.

The Constitution establishes the Communist Party of Cuba as the "highest leading force" of society and the State. The existence of other parties is prohibited. If you are not or pretend to be a communist, you cannot aspire to political office.

The essential difference from commercial fraud lies in coercion. In a dictatorship, refraining from participating in marches, official events, or false elections can lead to real consequences: marginalization, harassment, job loss, detention, imprisonment, beatings, and torture. Several prestigious human rights organizations have documented arbitrary detentions, intimidation, and repression against opponents, activists, and critics of the regime.

Many people participate not out of conviction, but out of fear of repercussions or to protect their families. Fear should not be confused with genuine support. When coercion becomes normalized, some justify what they know to be false: "It's not that serious," "Everyone does it," "We have to comply," "It's better to avoid problems," etc.

Václav Havel explained in The Power of the Powerless that totalitarian systems are built on lies and only persist as long as people accept to live within them. The small businessman who displays a political slogan he does not believe in does so not out of conviction, but to avoid trouble and demonstrate obedience. The regime requires visible participation, even if it is feigned.

The forced marches, rallies, and elections without options do not seek to convince; they display obedience. They do not represent the nation: they aim to appropriate it and create a false sense of unanimity to intimidate those who dissent.

The response to commercial scams is to verify, investigate, and refuse to pay for empty promises.
The response to political scams requires something deeper: to break away from living a lie, from harmful obedience, and to refrain from participating in the organizations and activities that support the oppressor.

Living in truth means defending your dignity, expressing your feelings, fighting for your rights, and for the freedom and well-being of the nation. Do not allow yourself to be deceived by false commercial propaganda, nor be a docile instrument of a criminal dictatorship.