The Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) issued a formal warning on social media this Wednesday, refuting claims of a "massive deception attempt" aimed at the public. This misinformation, spread through Facebook posts, falsely promised financial deposits into bank accounts on the island during the first week of January.
In its statement shared on Facebook, the BCC clarified that this information is entirely fabricated. There is no program, donation, or cash distribution initiative being conducted by either the Cuban banking system or the United States government.
The BCC accused a Spanish citizen, Ignacio Jiménez or Giménez, of orchestrating this misinformation campaign. He has reportedly been involved in similar disinformation incidents in the past.
In one of his Facebook posts, Giménez claimed that all Cubans with accounts at Banco Metropolitano, Banco Popular de Ahorro, and Bandec would receive a "New Year's gift," without needing to take any action.
Furthermore, he asserted that he would travel to Cuba to engage in a supposed economic project allegedly agreed upon with the Cuban government and international organizations.
The BCC condemned these assertions as a deliberate act of massive deception, intended to confuse the public, disrupt social order, and exploit the citizens' dire circumstances.
This alert follows a recent incident that highlighted the tangible impact of such rumors. Earlier in December, hundreds of people gathered outside the Habana Libre hotel in Havana, as well as in similar venues in Santiago de Cuba, after a false promise of receiving $1,100 per person circulated widely.
The scenes of long queues, widespread confusion, and heavy police presence forced authorities to step in once the rumor had taken hold on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Beyond the official denial, this episode underscores an uncomfortable truth that the institutional narrative tends to sidestep: the ease with which an implausible promise can rally crowds speaks less to the scammer's credibility and more to the accumulated economic desperation.
In a nation where cash is scarce, banks are depleted, and everyday survival is fraught with challenges, any tale of "assistance" finds a receptive audience, even when it borders on the absurd.
Understanding the Central Bank of Cuba's Warning
What false information did the Central Bank of Cuba refute?
The Central Bank of Cuba refuted claims of financial deposits being made into Cuban bank accounts during the first week of January, which were spread through Facebook.
Who was identified as the source of the misinformation?
The misinformation campaign was attributed to a Spanish citizen named Ignacio Jiménez or Giménez, known for previous disinformation incidents.
How did the misinformation affect Cuban citizens?
The misinformation led to large crowds forming in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, causing confusion, long lines, and necessitating police intervention.