When I started reading this thread, I thought for myself, scammed, not so much. Then the memories from back then the early years from 1998 started to surface
But seriously, last years I can not remember anything. Shit has happened like Claro not registering payments and gas station double charged credit card, but investigation revealed this due to technical errors not fraud. Money returned.
I remember once in Cabarete when the ATM close to Villa Taina/beach entrance gave me a false 1000 peso bill which was rejected at a bar later on.
Me very pissed off went inside the bank only wearing shorts, no shirt. Was adviced by gunpoint to leave the building
Another one : Grabbed by the balls at 5pm outside my surf spot in public at Vela after rejecting a blow job from a drug addict.
She emptied my pocket money without my notice with her other hand. Noticed shortly after and run back, she was nowhere to see. Went to the police station and filed a claim that she had robbed substantialy more money than she did.
Police happily knew her, and went away to get their reward on their motos. Guess she had a tough time to explain where all the money was.
Yes, a lot of stories, but all more than fifteen years old. Times were wild then in Sosua/Cabarete. And I am more street wise.
Last time I were «scammed» I went to the mechanic in Cabarete recommended here at DR1 to check the AC in my CRV.
Big mistake, they mounted a non original fan that did not fit, I lost all the cooling liquid in Callejon because they did not screw the cap on properly. When I had added liquid and could go back, they wanted to sell me cheap cooling liquid which I did not see fit. But they charged me enough for the job, I should have known when the owner magically knew the price for original fan without checking when I wanted a quote for the job.
Ordered radiator to be filled up with drinking water and went home to do the job myself changing the liquid with proper stuff.
Bought a proper radiator cap another place and not the cheap replacement they gave me.
Then I went to my preferred machanic for serious stuff and got to change the fan with something that fit, original.
He laughed initially and called the other mechanics , they were amused at looking at the job/fan.
Now I only get ripped off if choosing the wrong mechanic or person to help me. I consider that my fault, bad research.