A Cuban woman named Marianela Leyva took to Facebook this Tuesday to warn about a suspected scam operation. She described a network of fraudsters masquerading as liquefied gas sellers on WhatsApp who aim to steal personal information and clone victims' accounts.
In her Facebook post, Marianela detailed her interaction with a Cuban number on WhatsApp identified as "Valita De Gas" (+53 5 8465800), which was advertising liquefied gas cylinders in exchange for dollars.
After expressing interest, the Cuban account requested her address, identity card number, and phone number to prepare a so-called "pre-contract." Shortly thereafter, she received a message from a U.S. number (+1 954 676-2338).
"The brazen scammer claimed to be the boss of the gas cylinders and said she would send me the invoice number, insisting I would receive a call from her. On my screen, a six-digit code would appear, which I should copy and relay to her as it's the invoice number," Leyva recounted.
She quickly identified the ruse: "It seems they are working together, one here and one there. By asking for all your details, I imagine it's to access your account."
The outlined method aligns with a scam designed to obtain WhatsApp verification codes, enabling the registration of an account on another device and impersonating someone to their contacts. A commenter summed it up: "That's to clone WhatsApp."
Marianela urged authorities both inside and outside the island to take action: "The one over there should be sought by Interpol, and the one here by Cuban justice."
A Scam Fueled by Cuba's Gas Crisis
This type of scam emerges amid a severe fuel crisis in Cuba. Since January 2026, CUPET halted liquefied gas distribution in most provinces due to supply shortages.
In July 2026, the government set the official price of a 10 kg gas cylinder at 350 Cuban pesos, yet in the informal market, these cylinders are resold for between 10,000 and 70,000 pesos. Desperation drives many Cubans to seek alternatives on social media, where scammers lie in wait.
CUPET issued warnings in May and June 2026 against websites and fake accounts impersonating them to sell alleged cylinders in dollars, with prices nearly matching those of this scam.
The Bank of Credit and Commerce (Bandec) also cautioned in April that no legitimate transaction requires sharing the WhatsApp verification code.
Comments on Leyva's post were filled with outrage and advice. "We all know the hardships we face with liquefied gas, and sometimes we fall into the hands of these unscrupulous individuals out of desperation," wrote Leyva.
Numerous users pointed out the coordinated pattern among accomplices inside and outside Cuba. The most frequent advice was clear: "Do not provide any information through this channel. Complete any transactions directly at the agency or through a known and truly secure method."
Understanding the Gas Scam in Cuba
What is the scam involving liquefied gas in Cuba?
The scam involves fraudsters posing as liquefied gas sellers on WhatsApp, who seek to steal personal information and clone victims' accounts by obtaining their WhatsApp verification codes.
How can one identify this scam?
The scam is identified by requests for personal information and a six-digit verification code, supposedly for a transaction, which is actually used to hijack the victim's WhatsApp account.
What measures can be taken to avoid falling victim to this scam?
Avoid sharing personal or verification information through unknown channels. Conduct transactions directly with agencies or through trusted and secure methods.