Credit Card Fraud Epidemic Hits Dominican Republic: Tourists Warned to Take Precautions

Growing Concern in the Dominican Republic

A growing concern in the Dominican Republic has prompted warnings for tourists to exercise extreme caution with their credit cards, as credit card cloning and identity theft cases continue to surge.

Government Advisories Issued

The U.S. State Department, along with the governments of Canada and Great Britain, have issued advisories urging travelers to be vigilant when using ATMs and credit cards.

Tactics Employed by Fraudsters

Fraudsters are employing various tactics to obtain victims’ card information and PIN codes, including:

• Tampering with ATMs in public places

Tips for Tourists

To minimize the risk of falling victim to credit card fraud, tourists are advised to:

• Monitor their accounts closely for suspicious activity after returning home
• Report any unusual charges immediately to the bank
• Verify whether travel is recommended by consulting official government sources before planning a trip to the Dominican Republic

Staying Informed

For current information on reported crimes affecting American citizens traveling to the Dominican Republic, tourists can check:

• The U.S. State Department’s website for up-to-date information on reported crimes
• Canadian and British government websites for valuable insights into potential risks and advisories for travelers