Fake Online Partner Scams in the Dominican Republic
Romance scammers build fake relationships with people connected to the Dominican Republic, then invent emergencies to extract money over weeks or months.
Part of: Fake Online Partners
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake online partner scams, or romance scams, involve a fraudster adopting a false persona to win a victim's affection, then exploiting that trust to request money. The relationship is the bait: once the victim is emotionally invested, the scammer introduces a series of crises that only money can solve.
In the context of the Dominican Republic, these scams reach both locals and foreigners through dating apps, Facebook, and Instagram. Some scammers pose as Dominicans seeking a partner abroad, while others target Dominicans with a persona claiming to live overseas. In all cases, the playbook of affection followed by emergencies is the same.
How this scam works on the Dominican Republic
The scammer creates an attractive profile, often claiming to live or work abroad, or to be planning a visit, and invests weeks in affectionate daily messaging. They profess strong feelings quickly and may discuss a future together to deepen the bond.
Eventually a crisis appears: a medical emergency, a customs problem with a gift, a travel cost to finally meet, a business setback, or money needed to access 'frozen' funds. Requests start small and grow, each framed as temporary and urgent. Scammers may promise to repay or to send a valuable package that requires the victim to pay a 'release fee' first.
They resist video calls and in-person meetings with endless excuses, and once the victim runs out of money or grows suspicious, contact ends.
Common red flags
- Strong declarations of love within days or weeks of meeting online
- A partner who always has reasons not to video call or meet in person
- Claims of living or working abroad that conveniently prevent verification
- A sequence of emergencies that only money can solve
- Requests to pay a fee to 'release' a gift, package, or frozen funds
- Promises to repay that never materialise as amounts grow
- Pressure to keep the relationship and payments secret from family
How to protect yourself
- Be cautious with online partners who profess love quickly but avoid meeting or video calls
- Reverse-image-search profile photos to check for stolen or reused images
- Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you have not met in person
- Discuss the relationship with trusted friends or family who can offer perspective
- Be sceptical of any 'release fee' for gifts or funds — this is a classic scam
- Stop sending money the moment requests begin, and seek support
How to report it
- Report to the Dominican police anti-cybercrime division (DICAT)
- Report the profile to the dating app or social platform where you met
- File a complaint with the Procuraduria, keeping all messages and payment records
Frequently asked questions
My online partner claims to be planning to visit me in the Dominican Republic but keeps postponing — is that a warning sign?
Yes. A pattern of promised visits that keep falling through, especially alongside requests for money for the trip itself, is a very common romance scam tactic. Genuine travel plans don't typically require you to fund the trip in advance.
Is it different if the person claims to be Dominican and living abroad rather than a foreigner?
The nationality claimed doesn't change the underlying pattern — scammers use whichever persona seems most likely to build trust with a given target. Apply the same caution regardless of the claimed background: avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met and verified in person.
How do I bring this up with a family member who I think is being scammed?
Approach the conversation gently and focus on specific facts, like the person always avoiding video calls or repeated money requests, rather than criticising the relationship itself, since that can make someone defensive. Offer to help them verify the person's photos or report to DICAT if they're open to it.
My online partner says they will repay me — is that a good sign?
No. Promises of repayment are a standard tactic to justify more requests. If someone you have never met in person keeps asking for money for emergencies, it is almost certainly a romance scam.