Venmo Wants to Understand Your Reference to “Cuban”

We are living in interesting times…absurd times…scary times. And I think it’s time to start speaking up about the Orwellian stuff that keeps going down at an increasingly alarming level on social media platforms, and even digital financial service apps like Venmo.

Recently, some of my friends put a little event together in my honor.  One of my pals wanted to contribute some money towards the potluck to the organizer via Venmo. His description was blatantly and obviously playful: “2 Guests for the Cuban Missile Crisis Gathering.”

For those who don’t know, I am Cuban-American…and joking references to one of the most infamous moments in Cuban history abound whenever I come around (from fellow Latinos and non-Latinos alike), which I encourage, because it’s funny and endearing in every way. Hey, if anyone brings it up around me, my first reaction is to applaud them for at least knowing what the Cuban Missile Crisis was.

Anyway, because of what my friend wrote in the description, Venmo denied the transaction. Some of you might say, well, it’s the ‘missile’ part. Maybe the algorithm rejects any potential arms deals (because, as we know, arms dealers tend to dutifully list the details of their illegal weapons purchases in the description line every single time). Except, when my friend got this alert from Venmo below, it didn’t directly ask for an explanation of the use of the word “missile” – it only directly asked about the use of the word “Cuban.”

From Venmo:

“Thanks for using Venmo! 

We’re reaching out in hopes that you can help us better understand some recent activity on your account…Our compliance department implements controls to ensure our payment platform is being used properly.  We need your help to understand a recent transaction. 

On March 29, 2021, you sent a payment for the amount of $40.00 for, “2 guests Cuban missile crisis gathering.” We’re trying to understand: 

  * your reference to “Cuban.” 

  * purpose of this payment, including a complete and detailed explanation of what you intended to pay for and the establishment/location if applicable.

We thank you for your attention to this matter and apologize for any inconvenience.
Ann”

Why would they ask him about his reference to “Cuban?” Is Venmo policing simple references to nationalities now? If you Venmo someone for purchasing a “Polish sausage,” is that a violation of the new terms and conditions? I guess my real underlying question is whether or not it’s Venmo who is being racist for targeting the use of my nationality?

We tested it again and simply wrote “missile” in the description, leaving out the “Cuban” part. The transaction went through…