🇩🇴 Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract
⚡ Quick Answer
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Dominican Republic, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Scam alert for immigrants in Dominican Republic.
How this scam works
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Dominican Republic, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Red flags
- Landlord refuses live video viewing or in-person viewing
- Rent is far below normal market prices
- Deposit must be wired before a signed contract
- Photos appear on multiple unrelated listings
How to protect yourself
Use reputable platforms, verify the property address, request a written contract, and avoid paying large deposits before confirming the landlord or agency is legitimate in Dominican Republic.
What to do if targeted
- - Stop communication and do not send more money or documents
- - Save messages, receipts, contracts, profile links, and phone numbers
- - Contact your bank or payment provider if money was sent
- - Report through official fraud, police, or immigration channels
Prevention tips
- - Only pay government fees through official portals
- - Do not trust guaranteed visa approvals or secret appointment slots
- - Verify employer, school, agent, or landlord identities independently
- - Avoid personal-account transfers and pressure tactics
Emergency & Reporting Contacts
If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If money was sent, contact your bank/payment provider and official fraud reporting channels.
Sources & References
- MigrantIQ scam alert record
Published 2026-05-07.
- Dominican Republic official reporting channels
Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money.
Who is targeted
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Scam safety FAQ
Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome.
Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community.