Top 10 Real Estate Scams in Samana + How to Avoid Them
Buying property in paradise shouldn’t cost you your peace of mind. Samana is breathtaking but it’s also home to opportunists, known as “Tigre” who see foreigners as easy targets.
🔟 Fake Titles and Double Sales
The Scam: A seller presents you with a property and forged title documents. In some cases, they’ve already “sold” the same lot to multiple buyers. How to Avoid It:
- Verify title ownership at the Dirección General de Mensuras Catastrales (DGII)
- Hire a reputable, bilingual Dominican attorney — not the seller’s lawyer
9️⃣ Unregistered or Provisional Lots
The scam: A local developer sells land that’s not officially registered or subdivided, calling it a “pre-sale” or “in process.” How to avoid it:
- Always ask for the “Certificado de Título” and official survey (deslinde)
- If they can’t show a title number, walk away
8️⃣ Fake Real Estate Agents
The scam: Smooth-talking “agents” with no license, company, or legal ties pose as brokers and ask for deposits — then disappear. How to avoid it:
- Use agents listed in Scamana’s Verified Directory
- Ask to see their RNC or official ID
- Pay through traceable methods — never in cash, especially not upfront
7️⃣ Too Good to Be True Pricing
The scam: A luxury villa is offered at half the market value to rush you into a deal. It either doesn’t exist, is in legal dispute, or isn’t actually for sale. How to avoid it:
- Be suspicious of urgency + big discounts
- Visit properties in person and verify the legal standing
- Have an appraiser provide a fair market estimate
6️⃣ Under-the-Table Commissions
The scam: Lawyers or agents secretly receive kickbacks from the seller for inflating prices, putting you at a financial disadvantage.
How to avoid it:
- Ask if your legal or agent fees include commission-sharing
- Demand itemized contracts and receipts
- Consider working with buyer-only representatives
5️⃣ No Building Permits or Zoning Violations
The scam: You buy a property with the intention to build — only to discover the land is in a protected zone or requires an expensive remediation. How to avoid it:
- Check local zoning laws through the Ayuntamiento
- Hire a licensed architect to inspect feasibility
- Avoid beachfront properties without proper coastal regulation compliance
4️⃣ Illegal AirBnB or Tourism Use
The scam: You’re told your property can be used for short-term rental income — but it’s in a residential-only zone or condo bylaws prohibit it. How to avoid it:
- Review HOA or building rules before buying
- Ask for proof of rental licenses or previous Airbnb activity
- Consult with local tourism or tax authorities
3️⃣ Foreign Friendly Contracts = Legally Worthless
The scam: You sign an English-language contract with promises, but it’s not valid under Dominican law or was never notarized. How to avoid it:
- Contracts should be in Spanish and notarized in front of a Dominican notary
- All deposits and agreements must be documented
- Require copies of all signed and stamped documents
2️⃣ Inheritance Disputes
The scam: A family member sells a piece of inherited land without full legal clearance from siblings or heirs — causing future legal chaos. How to avoid it:
- Request the full Sucesión paperwork (inheritance process)
- Have your lawyer check for encumbrances or pending disputes
- Avoid “family sales” unless every heir signs the sale
1️⃣ Shell Companies and Developer Walkaways
The scam: You buy into a pre-construction project from a foreign or local shell company. Halfway through, they abandon the site with your money. How to avoid it:
- Research the developer’s track record and previous builds
- Ask for the company’s Registro Mercantil and bank guarantees
- Never pay in full before delivery — use escrow when possible
🛡️ Final Word: Trust, but Verify
Real estate in Samaná can be rewarding — but only if you approach it with caution, verification, and qualified legal support. Use Scamana’s Verified Directory, report any suspicious activity, and always get multiple sources of validation.
