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Bahamas (BS)

An English-speaking Caribbean archipelago close to Florida, known for high-end tourism, no personal income tax, strong financial services, second-home communities, turquoise water and very high island living costs.

Capital: Nassau
Region: Americas
Language: English
Currency: BSD ($)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 75)
Emergency: 911
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Scam Warnings

Common scams targeting expats in Bahamas.

The Bahamas is generally safe but expats and tourists face well-documented risks around rental and property fraud, contractor scams, investment pitches exploiting the offshore financial image, and phishing targeting local banks. Three golden rules: never pay a deposit on any property without physically viewing it and verifying the title; never use an unlicensed fixer for permits or immigration matters; and check any investment firm with the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (scb.gov.bs) before committing funds. Report scams to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (emergency 911 or 919) and the Central Bank of the Bahamas at centralbankbahamas.com.

Fake Rental Listing

critical

A scammer posts an attractive rental — often a real property whose photos have been copied — at a below-market price. The "landlord" is always overseas and requests a deposit (wire transfer, Western Union, or crypto) before any viewing to "hold" the unit. Once the deposit is sent, the scammer vanishes. This is the most common financial fraud reported by expats arriving in Nassau and Paradise Island.

How to spot it
  • - Rent is 20–40 % below comparable properties in the same area
  • - Landlord claims to be abroad for work and cannot meet in person
  • - Deposit or first month requested before viewing or signing any agreement
  • - Communication limited to WhatsApp or email; refuses phone or video call showing the actual property
  • - Google reverse-image-search the listing photos — stolen images appear on multiple sites
  • - No agent name, no real estate licence number offered
What to do: Never pay any deposit before viewing the property in person and verifying the landlord holds title. Ask to meet at the property with a key. Use a licensed Bahamian real estate agent. Report fraudulent listings to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (919 / 911) and the Central Bank of the Bahamas (centralbankbahamas.com).

Property Title and Tax Arrears Trap

critical

Buyers skip independent title searches and discover — after closing — that the property carries unpaid Real Property Tax, disputed ownership, mortgage liens, or that the seller did not have legal authority to sell. The Bahamas has a formal Real Property Tax and assessment-number system; a clear title search and proper conveyancing are essential.

How to spot it
  • - Seller discourages using an independent Bahamian attorney
  • - Seller rushes to close and resists any delay for due diligence
  • - No assessment number or Real Property Tax clearance certificate is provided
  • - Price is significantly below market for the area or condition
  • - Seller provides only a power of attorney rather than appearing in person
What to do: Always instruct your own independent Bahamian attorney (not one recommended by the seller) to conduct a full title search, check the Real Property Tax rolls, verify the assessment number, and confirm there are no caveats or encumbrances. Do not close without a clear title.

Work Permit Fixer

critical

An individual poses as a specialist with "inside connections" at the Department of Immigration and guarantees work permit or residency approval for an upfront cash payment. The permit never materialises, and the fraudster may retain your passport. The Department of Immigration does not authorise third-party agents to guarantee approvals.

How to spot it
  • - Guarantees approval for an upfront cash fee with no official receipt
  • - Claims special relationships inside the Department of Immigration
  • - Asks to hold your original passport as "collateral" or for "processing"
  • - Refuses to put the scope of work and fee in a written contract
  • - Price is far below what a reputable immigration lawyer charges
What to do: Use only a licensed Bahamian attorney or registered immigration consultant. Pay all government fees directly to the Department of Immigration using official receipts. Report suspected fraud to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (919 / 911).

Tourist Area Scams (Nassau, Paradise Island)

warning

Visitors and newly arrived expats in Nassau's downtown waterfront, Bay Street, and Paradise Island face several well-documented schemes: unofficial "tour guides" who charge undisclosed fees, jet ski and water sports rentals that end in inflated damage claims, timeshare-style resort presentations with high-pressure sales tactics, and taxi drivers overcharging visitors who do not agree on a fare in advance.

How to spot it
  • - Taxi driver does not quote a fare before departure — always agree on the fare in Bahamian dollars first
  • - Jet ski rental operator asks for a card imprint "for deposit" and later charges large damage fees for pre-existing scratches
  • - Timeshare presentation framed as a free gift or attraction ticket requiring only 90 minutes of your time
  • - Unofficial guide approaches you near the cruise terminal and quotes a fee that changes once the tour starts
  • - Boat tour operator has no visible licence or safety equipment
What to do: Agree on all prices in advance and in writing (or photograph the price board). Use hotel-recommended or licensed operators. Inspect jet ski and boat equipment for prior damage before signing any rental form. You are not obligated to stay at a timeshare presentation — leave if you feel pressured.

Hurricane Repair Contractor Scam

warning

After tropical storms, unlicensed contractors canvas affected neighbourhoods demanding a large cash deposit before starting work and then disappear. Quality is often poor even when work begins. This is a persistent post-storm pattern in the Bahamas.

How to spot it
  • - Contractor approaches you unsolicited after a storm
  • - Demands more than 30 % deposit before any work begins
  • - Cannot provide references, previous work photos, or a business licence
  • - Quote provided verbally only; refuses to provide a written scope and materials list
  • - Payment demanded in cash only
What to do: Obtain at least three written quotes from licensed contractors with verifiable references. Use staged payments tied to completion milestones — never more than 30 % upfront. Keep a written contract. Report contractor fraud to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (919 / 911).

Investment and Crypto Fraud (Offshore Angle)

critical

The Bahamas' image as an offshore financial centre is exploited to sell fraudulent investment products — fake forex trading platforms, unregistered crypto funds, and Ponzi-style "high-yield investment programmes." The Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB) has issued multiple 2025 and 2026 investor alerts against schemes including fake crypto mining platforms and unlicensed trading firms. Deepfake video impersonations of financial officials have also been used to promote fake investment opportunities.

How to spot it
  • - Investment firm is not listed in the SCB's register at scb.gov.bs
  • - Guarantees of high, consistent returns with little or no risk
  • - Pressure to invest quickly or to recruit friends and family
  • - Investment platform was promoted through social media, WhatsApp, or deepfake video
  • - Withdrawal is delayed, complicated, or refused once funds are deposited
  • - Central Bank of the Bahamas or SCB logo used in marketing without verified authorisation
What to do: Check the SCB investor register at scb.gov.bs and the Central Bank warning list at centralbankbahamas.com/bank-supervision/warning-notices before committing any funds. Report suspected unregistered firms to the SCB at (242) 397-4100 or via scb.gov.bs/complaints.

Bank Phishing and Impersonation

critical

Fraudsters send SMS or email messages impersonating the Central Bank of the Bahamas, commercial banks, the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR), or the National Insurance Board (NIB). Messages ask recipients to click a link and provide card details, PINs, or one-time passcodes. The Central Bank confirmed in 2025 that scammers have used deepfake technology and fake websites impersonating the bank's officials.

How to spot it
  • - Message contains a link to a website — official Bahamian banks do not send login links by SMS
  • - Message creates urgency ("your account will be blocked in 24 hours")
  • - Link domain is misspelled or not the official .gov.bs or bank domain
  • - Request for OTP, PIN, or password over the phone or via a link
  • - Caller claims to be from "Central Bank security" asking to verify your account
What to do: Do not click any links in unsolicited messages. Call your bank directly using the number on your card or the official website. Report phishing to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (919 / 911) and flag suspicious Central Bank impersonations at centralbankbahamas.com.

Romance and Emergency Money Scam

warning

An online relationship (or occasionally a recent in-person acquaintance) quickly develops into a financial emergency — medical bills, travel, a business deal — requiring an urgent transfer. The Bahamas' tourism profile makes it a common setting used by romance scammers as part of an elaborate backstory.

How to spot it
  • - Relationship moves very fast; declarations of love within days of first contact
  • - Person has never been able to meet in person despite appearing to be in the Bahamas
  • - Request for money via wire transfer, Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
  • - Each crisis resolves and is immediately followed by another
  • - Refuses a live video call or the video never clearly shows their face
What to do: Never send money to someone you have not met in person. Reverse-image-search profile photos. Report to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (919 / 911) and warn the platform (Facebook, WhatsApp, dating apps).

Boat or Vehicle Import Surprise

warning

Sellers hide customs duty owed, outstanding fines, title defects, accident history, or failed marine or road-traffic inspections. Buyers can face large bills or be unable to register a purchase they have already paid for.

How to spot it
  • - Seller cannot or will not provide full import documentation or the customs entry form
  • - Price is significantly below comparable vehicles or vessels in similar condition
  • - Seller avoids or rushes through any independent inspection
  • - Registration documents are missing or appear altered
  • - Seller insists on a quick cash-only transaction
What to do: For vehicles, verify with the Road Traffic Department. For vessels, verify with the Bahamas Maritime Authority. Confirm all duties are paid and documentation is clear before any payment. Use a licensed agent for import verification.

Reporting

Where to report: Royal Bahamas Police Force — emergency: 919 or 911; non-emergency: (242) 322-4444; website: royalbahamaspolice.org. Securities Commission of the Bahamas (investment and securities fraud): scb.gov.bs, tel (242) 397-4100. Central Bank of the Bahamas (bank impersonation, unlicensed financial services): centralbankbahamas.com. Department of Inland Revenue (tax-related fraud): bahamas.gov.bs. Department of Immigration (work permit / residency fraud): immigration.gov.bs.

Consumer helpline: Central Bank of the Bahamas scam alerts and warning notices: centralbankbahamas.com/bank-supervision/warning-notices (free, online). Securities Commission complaints: scb.gov.bs/complaints (free). Royal Bahamas Police Force emergency: 919 or 911.