Dominican Republic Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in the Dominican Republic and how to report them to the National Police, CNCS, and your bank.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean's most popular tourist destinations, and its rapid growth in digital commerce has been accompanied by rising online fraud. Tourists encounter overcharging, fake tour operators, and resort-area scams, while residents and visitors face phishing, investment fraud, and romance scams. The National Police operates an online reporting portal at policianacional.gob.do/reporte-en-linea/, and the Centro Nacional de Ciberseguridad (CNCS) handles cybersecurity incidents at cncs.gob.do. The emergency number is 911. Contacting your bank immediately after suspected fraud remains the most important first step.
Common scams
- Online shopping fraud and non-delivery
- Investment and crypto platform scams
- Romance scams via social media and dating apps
- Phishing impersonating Dominican banks
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial taxi overcharging at airports and tourist areas
- Fake excursion and tour operators at beach resorts
- Timeshare and holiday club pressure sales
- Distraction theft in busy tourist spots
Online shopping scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Dominican banks or government agencies
- Fake online shops and social media marketplace fraud
- Crypto and investment platform scams
Job scams
- Fake job offers requiring upfront payments for documentation or training
- Task scams via messaging apps demanding escalating deposits
Romance scams
- Dating-app grooming leading to fake cryptocurrency investment platforms
- Social media romance with escalating requests for money transfers
Investment scams
- Unlicensed forex and crypto broker platforms
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Call 911 for emergencies or report online at policianacional.gob.do/reporte-en-linea/
- Report cybercrime to the Centro Nacional de Ciberseguridad (CNCS) at cncs.gob.do
- Preserve all digital evidence: screenshots, transaction details, and contact records
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the official number on your card or app. Acting quickly gives the best chance of intercepting a fraudulent transfer before withdrawal.
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
What is the CNCS in the Dominican Republic?
The Centro Nacional de Ciberseguridad (CNCS) is the Dominican Republic's national cybersecurity authority. It coordinates cyber incident response and operates the national CSIRT-RD. Cyber incidents can be reported via cncs.gob.do or by email to [email protected].
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance