How to Know if You Are Buying Phony Cuban Cigars

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How would you feel if you handed over a twenty for a Cuban cigar only to find out that it was a fake? Sadly, counterfeit Cuban cigars are popping up here and there. It is important that you know the real thing from a fake. It would be nice to be able to take the word of someone who tells you that what you are buying is authentic Cuban cigars. In fact, many people do take the word of others, and they are getting ripped off. It is usually the novice cigar smoker who falls prey to these scams.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

If you are purchasing a box of Cuban cigars, you should look for a warranty seal. These warranty seals will be green and white. During the past few years many manufacturers have started placing hidden UV watermarks in their warranty seals. However, just because you have a box with the warranty seal it still does not guarantee that authentic Cubans are inside. Some shady sellers will recycle original boxes and pack them full of fakes. So, if you come across a box that looks like it has been manhandled, you may want to pass.

Step2

It is a good idea to research different manufacturers so that you can become familiar with their product and seals. That way, you will be more likely to judge whether a box of cigars is truly Cubans or not.

Step3

It should be noted that if the cigars do not come from Cuba, they are not Cubans. Many scam artists will market cigars as Cubans when they were not actually made in Cuba. In addition, anyone selling Cuban cigars in the United States will charge you a hefty price for them. You can expect to pay upwards of $500 or more for a box of authentic Cuban cigars. If you come across someone willing to sell you a box of Cuban cigars for something far, far less they are probably not real.

Step4

Lastly, when it comes to dealing in Cuban cigars in the United States it is buyer beware! Since the implementation of the 1963 “Trading with the Enemy Act” you can get into serious trouble if you are caught buying or selling Cuban cigars. You could face serious fines and imprisonment. The good news is if you travel to Cuba for charity or work you can bring $100 worth of Cuban cigar back with you into the United States. The cigars you bring back must be used for personal consumption and cannot be sold.