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Common in Dominican Republic

Scam in Dominican RepublicOn the street

Persistent beach vendors in Dominican Republic

Beaches and beachfront shops around resorts.

How it works

Vendors repeatedly ask you to look at their goods. Some keep following or pestering you after you refuse, hoping you will stop or buy something.

Warning signs

  • A vendor keeps approaching after you decline.
  • An invitation to browse becomes pressure to buy.

How to avoid it

  1. Say no politely and keep walking.
  2. Do not stop to browse unless you want to.
  3. If needed, say that you have no money to spend.

If it happens to you

Keep moving toward a staffed area if someone continues to follow you.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive group.
  2. If you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger, call 911.
  3. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorized payments. Secure any accounts on a stolen phone.
  4. Save receipts, messages, booking details and a short account of what happened. Record the time and place.
  5. Report the incident to tourist police or police. Request a report or reference number for insurance.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensBeaches and beachfront shops around resorts.Punta Cana

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in Dominican RepublicPressure to abandon an Uber for a local taxi: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the persistent beach vendors scam in Dominican Republic?

Vendors repeatedly ask you to look at their goods. Some keep following or pestering you after you refuse, hoping you will stop or buy something.

How can I spot it early?

A vendor keeps approaching after you decline. An invitation to browse becomes pressure to buy.

How do I avoid persistent beach vendors in Dominican Republic?

Say no politely and keep walking. Do not stop to browse unless you want to. If needed, say that you have no money to spend.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep moving toward a staffed area if someone continues to follow you.

Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?

Beaches and beachfront shops around resorts. It has been reported in Punta Cana.

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: friendly approaches that turn into money demands, 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.

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