A Cuban woman has brought to light a shocking scam, claiming she paid 70,000 pesos for a mattress filled not with the expected foam, but with sacks and cardboard. Her revelation has sparked a wave of responses on social media, where others have also reported similar deceptions when purchasing mattresses in Cuba.
Annia Echevarría took to Facebook to share her ordeal, posting a video that unveiled the inside of the mattress, allegedly marketed as originating from Panama. Her outrage was palpable as she revealed the unexpected materials used in the product.
"I've been scammed, but I won’t let others fall victim," she declared.
The footage shows that most of the mattress's interior is stuffed with sacks, cardboard, and other substances, while foam is present only in a small section.
"The only place they put foam is here in this corner. Everything else is filled with sacks," she explained while showcasing her shocking discovery.
"What a beautiful scam sale. Seventy thousand pesos with two complimentary pillows," she added, referencing the price she claims to have paid.
Widespread Mattress Fraud: More Victims Speak Out
Others have come forward, sharing their own experiences of being duped. "I was also scammed with a mattress," wrote one user.
Another individual reported an even greater financial loss: "The same thing happened to me in Santa Clara, and I lost 80,000."
Some accounts date back years. One commenter mentioned a similar incident two years ago, coupled with issues purchasing other furniture.
"The same thing happened to me two years ago with a mattress, and to top it off, a living room set too. They never responded afterward," she lamented.
Further stories of deceit emerged, with one person noting that their family’s mattress appeared fine initially but later revealed similar issues.
The testimonials have ignited anger among those involved in the discussion, prompting calls for accountability and the sharing of evidence to prevent others from being swindled.
However, these accounts have not been independently verified, and it's unclear if all affected parties bought their mattresses from the same seller.
Controversy Over Mattress Origin Claims
The supposed Panama origin of the mattresses has also been questioned. Despite being marketed as Panamanian, many online users doubted these claims after examining the materials.
Some pointed out that a sack shown in the video appeared to bear the Cuban brand Suchel, while others suggested that similar products are manufactured locally and misrepresented as imports.
"Made in Cuba with a Panama label," one user succinctly summarized.
Recurring Issues with Mattress Quality in Cuba
This incident echoes previous complaints about the quality of mattresses sold or distributed to Cuban families.
In September 2026, a mother in Santa Clara with three chronically ill children reported receiving mattresses stuffed with "intimate nylon" instead of standard materials.
A year earlier, in August 2025, another Cuban discovered her mother's mattress was filled with dried grass. The revelation came when the family attempted repairs, and the upholsterer opened the mattress to find unusual contents, claiming it wasn't his first encounter with such materials.
In November 2024, another case surfaced when a hurricane victim in Baracoa reported that authorities sold her a substandard mattress for 735 pesos, despite promises of a higher-quality item.
Understanding the Mattress Scam in Cuba
What materials were found inside the scammed mattress?
The mattress was filled with sacks and cardboard, with foam present only in a small section.
How much did the victim pay for the mattress?
The victim reported paying 70,000 pesos for the mattress.
Have there been other similar scams reported?
Yes, numerous individuals have shared similar experiences, with some claiming even higher financial losses.
What doubts exist about the mattress's origin?
There is skepticism about the mattress being from Panama, as materials suggest it might be locally produced in Cuba.