Scam in Dominican RepublicOn the street
Friendly approaches that turn into money demands in Dominican Republic
How it works
Someone starts a friendly conversation, then asks for money. Some demand protection money. They may keep following you until you pay.
Warning signs
- A stranger follows you while trying to start a conversation.
- The conversation quickly turns to money.
- Someone offers protection from other people.
How to avoid it
- Keep unsolicited conversations brief.
- Decline money requests firmly and keep moving.
- Head toward a staffed place if someone follows you.
If it happens to you
If a demand becomes threatening, put your safety first. Avoid confrontation and seek help from a safe place.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive group.
- If you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger, call 911.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorized payments. Secure any accounts on a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and a short account of what happened. Record the time and place.
- Report the incident to tourist police or police. Request a report or reference number for insurance.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/travel2024I’ve not seen this scam mentioned but I fell for it a few years ago so wanted to warn people of it.A commenter recalled a boy approaching them on a Dominican Republic beach with a compliment before holding out his hand for money.Read on Reddit
- Travel blog2022The Dominican Republic Scams to avoid when traveling in 2022 – KASVENTURESThe author reported an animal handler encouraging photographs before unexpectedly demanding $100 for them.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/Dominican2023First experience in Santo Domingo,DRA visitor said a woman they had befriended online repeatedly requested money for apparent emergencies when they met in person.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the friendly approaches that turn into money demands scam in Dominican Republic?
Someone starts a friendly conversation, then asks for money. Some demand protection money. They may keep following you until you pay.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger follows you while trying to start a conversation. The conversation quickly turns to money. Someone offers protection from other people.
How do I avoid friendly approaches that turn into money demands in Dominican Republic?
Keep unsolicited conversations brief. Decline money requests firmly and keep moving. Head toward a staffed place if someone follows you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If a demand becomes threatening, put your safety first. Avoid confrontation and seek help from a safe place.
Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?
Streets in Santo Domingo. It has been reported in Santo Domingo.
How common is this scam in Dominican Republic?
Common. The Dominican Republic is generally safe, but visitors can face persistent touts, inflated shopping prices and pressure over taxi choices. Other risks include people posing as resort staff, demands for protection money, motorcycle bag snatching and theft from accommodation.
Are there similar scams in Dominican Republic?
Yes: persistent beach vendors, resort employee impersonation and sympathy requests, unwanted offers of sexual services.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police / Politur: contact this agency if you encounter problems. Ask your hotel or a staffed business to help you reach it. National Police in Santo Domingo: the station is at Av. Leopoldo Navarro #402. The central line is +1 809-682-2151. Police in Punta Cana and Bavaro: call +1 809 686-8227. Stations are next to the Sitrabapu bus terminal in Bavaro and at Galerias Punta Cana near the airport. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorized charges. Accommodation management: report room theft or someone claiming to be a hotel employee. Ask management to preserve relevant records. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help replacing a stolen passport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and provide receipts, evidence and any police report.
What number do I call in an emergency in Dominican Republic?
Emergency assistance: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck