Learning a $100 lesson isn't an everyday occurrence, but that's exactly what happened to el_yoha10, a Cuban newcomer to the United States. He took to TikTok to share his experience of falling victim to a scam while shopping at Walmart. In a video infused with humor and resignation, he recounted his story to warn others about similar deceptions.
The incident took place in the store's fishing section when an elderly man speaking English approached him, offering a chain supposedly made of 14-karat gold. With seemingly convincing "proof," such as burning the chain and showing it didn't stick to a magnet, the man persuaded the young Cuban to buy it for $100, down from an initial $200 offer.
"I thought I was making a smart deal," the creator said with irony, recalling how he eagerly withdrew the money from an ATM, believing he had struck a bargain. However, upon showing the chain to his family at home, his uncle, who had more experience, informed him it was a common trick in America to sell costume jewelry as gold.
"I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or swallow the chain," he admitted, ultimately choosing to see the humor in the situation, although he regretted losing money he could have used for other things. "With $100, I could have paid for my Shein cart, but oh well, you learn from your mistakes," he added, advising others to "be cautious" about such situations, especially if they're new to the country.
His story garnered numerous comments on TikTok. Some offered support: “At least it was $100 and not $200,” one user noted, while another joked, “Well, it says 14-karat, just say it's gold and be done with it.” Others teased him with humor: “That's what you get for being greedy” or “Now you have to do the same and sell it.”
This incident echoes another recent scam involving a Cuban in Miami who was tricked into buying fake perfumes. According to his TikTok story, he paid $100 for five bottles of "luxury fragrances" that turned out to be colored water. Both stories highlight how newly arrived migrants can fall prey to such scams, often due to unfamiliarity with these tactics or excessive trust.
For el_yoha10, the experience remains a memorable tale. “Be careful, folks, just as I fell for it, anyone can. People here are sharper than you,” he concluded in his video, smiling with a chain now part of his collection—even if it isn’t gold.
Understanding Scams Targeting New Immigrants
How can new immigrants protect themselves from scams in the United States?
New immigrants can protect themselves by being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, seeking advice from more experienced individuals, and thoroughly researching any offers before making a purchase.
What types of scams are common among immigrants in the U.S.?
Common scams include fake jewelry sales, counterfeit perfumes, and phishing schemes via phone or email. Immigrants may also encounter fraudulent job offers or rental listings.