Urgent: Cuban TV Star Bárbara Sánchez Novoa Alerts Nation to Rampant Facebook Scams
Havana, Cuba – November 28, 2025 – In a direct appeal to the Cuban people, beloved television personality Bárbara Sánchez Novoa has publicly warned of a dramatic increase in sophisticated digital scams sweeping across Facebook. The fraudulent schemes, preying on the country’s ongoing economic struggles and widespread need, are using her image and name to deceive users into believing in false promotions for essential goods and remittance opportunities. This is a breaking news development that demands immediate attention, especially as these scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.
The Scams: What You Need to Know
Sánchez Novoa revealed the alarming trend in a video posted to her verified Facebook profile. Scammers are creating fake accounts, often subtly differing from her official page – sometimes omitting accent marks in her name (“Barbara Sanchez Novoa” instead of “Bárbara Sánchez Novoa”), or falsely adding the word “official” – to lend an air of legitimacy. These impostor accounts are advertising heavily discounted electric motorcycles, generators, mattresses, and even falsely promising access to remittances, capitalizing on the severe shortages and financial difficulties facing many Cubans both on and off the island.
“If you don’t see me, directly, advertising the motorcycle, the power plant or the mattress, don’t trust it,” Sánchez Novoa emphatically stated in her video. She stressed that she has never solicited advance payments or participated in any of the advertised sales or promotions. The scammers are also employing deceptive tactics like using logos of reputable Cuban companies, such as Cubamax, and utilizing phone numbers originating outside of Cuba – a key red flag for potential victims.
Why Cuba? The Perfect Storm for Scammers
This surge in scams isn’t happening in a vacuum. Cuba is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by persistent blackouts, shortages of basic necessities, and limited access to foreign currency. This creates a climate of desperation, making citizens particularly vulnerable to promises of quick solutions and affordable goods. The increasing reliance on social media, particularly Facebook, as a primary source of information and a marketplace further exacerbates the problem.
“In a context of economic crisis, blackouts and need, many Cubans become easy targets,” Sánchez Novoa explained, highlighting the predatory nature of these schemes. The lack of robust digital security infrastructure and limited consumer protection laws within Cuba contribute to the scammers’ ability to operate with near impunity.
Beyond Cuba: A Global Rise in Impersonation Scams
While this situation is particularly acute in Cuba, the tactic of impersonating public figures to commit fraud is a growing global problem. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, impersonation scams have seen a dramatic increase in recent years, costing consumers billions of dollars. The ease with which fake profiles can be created and the speed at which misinformation can spread on social media platforms make it incredibly challenging to combat these types of crimes.
Protecting Yourself: A Vigilant Approach
- Verify the Source: Always check for the blue verification badge on Facebook profiles.
- Look for Details: Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and inconsistencies in the profile information.
- Beware of Accent Marks: As Sánchez Novoa pointed out, subtle differences like missing accent marks can indicate a fake account.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report fake profiles and fraudulent posts to Facebook immediately.
- Never Send Money to Unverified Sources: Avoid any transaction that requires an advance payment or personal financial information.
Sánchez Novoa’s warning joins a growing chorus of complaints from other Cuban public figures whose identities have been exploited for fraudulent purposes. Her proactive stance underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and vigilance within the Cuban digital ecosystem. The situation serves as a stark reminder that in the digital age, a healthy dose of skepticism – as Sánchez Novoa powerfully advised, “Doubt even your shadow” – is essential for protecting yourself from online deception. Staying informed and sharing this information with your network is crucial in curbing the spread of these harmful scams and ensuring a safer online experience for everyone. For more in-depth coverage of digital security and emerging threats, continue exploring archyde.com.
