A resident of Jovellanos, Matanzas was apprehended after attempting to make a purchase at a café using a counterfeit hundred-dollar bill. The report came from a pro-government Facebook page, "Con todos la victoria," identifying the alleged fraudster as Alexei Martínez Elizalde.
The post mentioned that Martínez Elizalde tried to "play smart" by buying drinks at a café in Consejo La Luisa and paying with a fake hundred-dollar bill, but his plan was thwarted. While the arrest was confirmed, no further details were provided regarding the origin of the counterfeit note, nor was an ongoing investigation mentioned. As of this report's publication, additional information about the case remains unavailable.
Although counterfeit Cuban pesos are more commonly reported, attempts to pass fake hundred-dollar bills are not unheard of in recent years. In 2023, authorities in Sancti Spíritus detained three people for selling counterfeit hundred-dollar bills on the black market, using the classified ads platform Revolico for promotion. These scammers sold between 800 and 1,500 fake dollars to each victim, pricing them between 160 and 170 Cuban pesos per dollar, based on the unofficial exchange rate at the time.
The local newspaper Escambray identified five victims, with three residing in Sancti Spíritus, and one each in Taguasco and Cabaiguán. According to the report, the scammers' profits reached up to 160,000 pesos per transaction involving the counterfeit currency.
How to Identify Counterfeit Hundred-Dollar Bills
Hundred-dollar bills, featuring Benjamin Franklin's iconic image, are the highest denomination currently in circulation in the United States. Their widespread use makes them a frequent target for counterfeiters.
Security Features to Verify Authenticity
To safeguard against counterfeit currency, the U.S. Federal Reserve has implemented several security features in hundred-dollar bills. Here are the primary features to check:
Watermark: When held to the light, a transparent image of Benjamin Franklin should be visible as a watermark.
Security Thread: The bill includes the inscription "USA" visible when backlit.
Color-Changing Numbers: The number 100 in the lower right corner changes from copper to green when tilted slightly.
Bell in the Inkwell: Tilting the bill should cause the bell within the inkwell on the front design to appear and disappear.
3D Security Ribbon: A blue ribbon on the bill's surface displays moving images of bells and the number 100, which shift as you tilt the bill. This ribbon is woven into the paper, not printed.
Microprinting: Small details, such as the text "The United States of America," are visible under magnification.
Raised Printing: The bill has a distinctive texture due to raised printing in certain areas of the design.
Common Questions About Counterfeit Currency in Cuba
Why are hundred-dollar bills frequently counterfeited?
Hundred-dollar bills are widely circulated and have a high value, making them attractive targets for counterfeiters.
What should I do if I suspect a bill is counterfeit?
If you suspect a bill is counterfeit, you should refrain from accepting it and report it to the authorities.