Scam in Dominican RepublicOn the street
Unwanted offers of sexual services in Dominican Republic
How it works
Young men or women may approach visitors and persistently offer sexual services. An unwanted approach alone is not proof of fraud.
Warning signs
- An unsolicited conversation turns into an offer of sexual services.
How to avoid it
- Give a firm no.
- End the conversation and keep walking.
If it happens to you
Move away. If the person continues to harass or threaten you, seek help in a staffed 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.
- Travel blog2021Notes on the Dominican Republic – Matt LakemanThe author described being approached by women offering sexual services in Sosúa despite having no interest in buying them.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blogHow to Avoid Sex Tourism in the Dominican RepublicWorld Nomads describes tourists receiving approaches from sex workers and hustlers who assume visitors may purchase sexual services.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the unwanted offers of sexual services scam in Dominican Republic?
Young men or women may approach visitors and persistently offer sexual services. An unwanted approach alone is not proof of fraud.
How can I spot it early?
An unsolicited conversation turns into an offer of sexual services.
How do I avoid unwanted offers of sexual services in Dominican Republic?
Give a firm no. End the conversation and keep walking.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move away. If the person continues to harass or threaten you, seek help in a staffed place.
Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?
Puerto Plata province.
How common is this scam in Dominican Republic?
Occasional. 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, friendly approaches that turn into money demands, resort employee impersonation and sympathy requests.
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