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 right away, using the number on your card or in the official app, and ask for the card to be blocked and the transaction disputed. Explain that you were deceived into paying, ask for the payment to be stopped or recalled if it has not cleared, and ask for the receiving account to be reported. Then report the incident to the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force so a report number is generated, which supports any dispute or insurance claim. Keep receipts, emails and any fee demands.
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