Dominica Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Dominica has low tourist-crime rates but has seen real-world fraud around its Citizenship by Investment program, alongside common Caribbean-wide romance and lottery scams online.
Emergency number: 999 (police/fire/ambulance) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Dominica is known as 'The Nature Island' and has a relatively low rate of tourist-targeted crime, but the country's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has attracted unofficial agents and fraudulent intermediaries who charge inflated or bogus fees to would-be applicants worldwide. Online, Dominicans and prospective visitors alike face standard romance-scam and lottery-scam patterns common across the Caribbean, and travelers should also be wary of unlicensed tour operators for hiking and river excursions.
Common scams
- Unofficial 'agents' charging inflated or fraudulent fees for Citizenship by Investment applications outside authorized channels
- Fake lottery or prize-winning notifications requesting fees to release supposed winnings
- Unlicensed tour guides for hiking, waterfall or river-tubing excursions overcharging or lacking safety equipment
- Taxi fare disputes where prices aren't agreed before the ride
Tourist-specific scams
- Overpriced excursions sold directly at cruise-ship ports without proper licensing
- Vendors near popular sites like the Boiling Lake or Trafalgar Falls overcharging for guiding services
Online shopping scams
- Fake Citizenship by Investment 'expediting' websites that are not authorized by the Dominica CBI Unit
- Phishing emails impersonating banks or government agencies
- Fake online sellers or booking sites for Dominica accommodation and tours
Job scams
- Fake job offers on cruise ships or in hospitality requiring upfront payment for training or documentation
Romance scams
- Online relationships where a supposed Dominica-based partner requests money for emergencies or travel costs
Investment scams
- Unauthorized intermediaries offering 'guaranteed' fast-track Citizenship by Investment approval for extra fees
- Real estate investment schemes tied to fraudulent or unauthorized CBI-linked developments
How to report a scam here
- Verify any Citizenship by Investment agent directly with Dominica's official CBI Unit before paying any fee
- Call your bank's fraud hotline to dispute the transaction if payment has already been made
- Report the incident to the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force to obtain a formal police report
- Report fake booking or rental listings to the platform involved for removal
Local reporting & protection links
- Police (emergency) — Dial 911
- Royal Grenada Police Force
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Call your bank's fraud line to block the card and report the incident to the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force so a report number is generated for any dispute or insurance claim.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Is Dominica's Citizenship by Investment program legitimate?
Yes, it is a legitimate government program, but only apply through the official CBI Unit or authorized licensed agents — unauthorized intermediaries promising shortcuts are a common source of fraud.
Are tours in Dominica generally safe?
Most licensed tour operators are safe and professional; verify licensing and agree prices in advance, especially for hikes to the Boiling Lake which require an experienced guide.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance