Protect your Costa Rica Private Property

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Costa Rica Property Fraud Alert Service

As an absentee owner, it is important to be aware of any activity concerning your property in Costa Rica. You need to protect your Costa Rica private property. The Private Property Registry (PPR) is a valuable resource that can keep you informed and help prevent fraud. Currently, the PPR protects over 15,000 properties in Costa Rica. If you are an absentee owner this service will protect your Costa Rica Private property. We are here to assist you to secure your property.

Each night, the PPR robot downloads data from the National Registry’s database. They keep the information in an encrypted file. Robots scan the encrypted files that are questionable. Robots analyze the data and compare it to yesterday’s results. Analyzed each entry line by line and flag any entry that needs further analysis. Sending the analyzed data to the respective lawyer for review.

The National Registry, following procedures required by law, update the records. One requirement is the record holder appear in person.  Alternatively, an authorized designee with the appropriate documents justifying why a change has been rsuequested. Thus protecting businesses from fraudulent claims and false allegations. Strict rules serve the public interest as these would damage their reputation and credibility. 

Subsequently, a bureaucrat will determine if they are valid and if any errors are in the descriptions or clauses. Discrepancies flaged for further review by the respective agents. Further inquiry reveals that this service is affordable. Loss prevention is always better. Property needing to be recovered is always more challenging and costly.

Summarily, the cost of the PPR is negligible compared to the potential loss you could suffer. Checking the cost of PPR is less than $200 per year. PPR offers a premium rate for additional services. I would recommend contacting them directly.

Canadian Expat Victim of Daylight Robbery

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Diminishing crime here is disputed by a Canadian expat

The perception that crime has diminished in San Jose, is in many cases the absence of reports by police to news people. No news bulletin issued on the daylight robbery involving  ex-pat Candance Wier. Not only did the bandit assault her with a firearm he also took the car she had borrowed. Her route was from Quepos to come to San Jose. Candance Weir suffered a head wound during the robbery.

Ms. Weir is a Canadian ex-pat, was the victim of daylight robbery. She had borrowed a neighbor’s car and drove it to Rohmoser. She parked the car in front of the hotel where she was to stay with her husband. Out of no where the bandit appeared and roobed her with a pistol. The bandit armed with a pistol assaulted Ms. Weir. Her personal effects, he left in the car along with her passport.

Robbery took place in front of popular hotel

According to the news report the victims husband said the car was recovered later and impounded. They were unable to retrieve the car from the impound lot as they were not the registered owners. The robbery took place in front of a popular hotel with security.

The Weir’s said they have lived here for 10 years and has had not experience this type of situation. They continued to stay at the hotel and made a report to the Judicial Investigating Organization. Weir said the agents provided excellent service.

We have previously posted the lack of reporting crimes generates false perceptions as to the real crime situation here. Although we recognize that crime is largely based on population and opportunity, the promoting of a safe community can only be based on the number of arrest for criminal acts. Unfortunately, the system here does promote active reporting and is fragmented. Thus to get an idea of the real problem you have to keep you ears to the ground and be ever vigilant whether you are visiting or live here.

For more information on safety and areas to avoid please contact us at 321-218-9209.

 

 

Arenal La Fortuna

Buying Costa Rica Real Estate

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Are you thinking about buying Costa Rica real estate?  I know there are many beautiful places here. But, before you sign on the dotted line, there are several things you need to be aware of. Real estate agents have no licenses. Thus, anyone can represent they are a real estate agent. There is no government oversight of the real estate industry in Costa Rica. Consequently, anyone with a mouth and ears can sell real estate here. Consequently, you are at risk if not done correctly.

Living here I am well aware of the “real estate agents” who are nothing more than scammers. Scammers are protected here by the law. You can more money defrauding someone here than selling drugs. I know of fraud cases in the courts here for over ten years. You can never lose sight that the court system is not like the one back home. Courts here are run by inept and corrupt judges. No jury trials here. If you are a foreign national you enter the court areana with 2 strikes.

Real estate ownership here is possible if you do it right. A licensed Costa Rica attorney is all you need. All real estate purchases must be notarized. All Notary’s here must be licensed Codta Rica attorneys. However, not all licensed attorneys are Notaries. To have the notary designation requires additional education/ training, and many do not have it.

I recommend that buying Costa Rica real estate requires a licensed attorney. Also, one that speaks English as well as Spanish. It is vital for you to understand each step of the purchase. We offer to our clients legal services with a licensed Costa Rica Attorny and Notary. You can come by or call for an appointment. We will be happy to assist you.

Sky Line of San Jose Costa Rica

Assaults with Firearms are on the Rise in Costa Rica

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Assaults with firearms are on the rise in Costa Rica

If you are coming to Costa Rica be aware that assaults with firearms are on the rise. As we have recently reported that visitors here should take precautions when visiting here, the English speaking news paper Inside Costa Rica published an article stating that assaults with firearms are on the rise. A word to the wise, be alert and look every situation over before getting involved. Most of the time this simple admonition is enough to save you from a real problem

Use common sense when visiting Costa Rica

Just like many of the metropolitan cities in the United States, there are areas that you know that are inherently dangerous. The same is true here. For more insight go to travelling to Costa Rica.

1. Don’t travel by foot during the night

2. Leave your valuables in the hotel in a safe

3. Carry one credit card and little cash

4. Carry a copy of your passport with the date of entry page

5. Beware of strangers

6. If you have a rental car and have a flat remain in your car and refuse any assistance from passerby’s

7. Travel in groups

8. Remain in well lite areas

9. If traveling to the beach make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return

10. Beware of ex-pats that tell you where the “hot spots” are.

Although not comprehensive if you follow these simple common sense rules, the chances of you falling victim to a robbery or an assault is greatly diminished. Remember the police here are not the same as the United States. They are undermined, under equipped and take little or no action. Costa Rica has a law that makes any theft under $500 no consequence. That’s right, if the theft is less than $500 you are out of luck!

For more information and advisories as where to stay, where to visit or other information, please feel free to call us at 321-218-9209.

 

How to find a private investigator in Costa Rica

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How to find a Private Investigator in Costa Rica? That seems to be the number one question that our colleagues get asked in the states. Followed by, When should I hire a private investigator?  Honestly, both of the questions are 100% valid. Finding a Private Investigator is hard; finding an investigator in Costa Rica is even harder. To find a trustworthy, licensed, and experienced investigator, you will need to conduct your own research. Having investigative skills will help you find a PI that fits your needs.

If you found this article, it means you probably came from a Google Search. Because of the internet, nowadays, it seems that everyone is advertising private investigation services here in Costa Rica. In doing so, there are some things you need to know.

First:

There is no governmental oversight of the private investigation industry here in Costa Rica. Likewise, there is no governmental oversight of Real Estate Industry. As one can imagine, this opens the door to all types of opportunities for fraud or a scam. Thus, there are no licensing requirements for either of these two industries here in Costa Rica.

One of the things that you have to remember is that Costa Rica is a small nation and does not have the infrastructure to oversee such industries. So, there really is no easy shop and go for this kind of thing. We can’t teach you how to find a private investigator in Costa Rica, but following the next three tips will making find a reliable and trustworthy investigator an easier decision.

Second:

DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ANYONE INCLUDING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR THROUGH WESTERN UNION. It is well documented here in Costa Rica that the majority of scams are carried off by using Western Union. Especially if you are told to send it to another name, not the requestors.

Since Costa Rica does not offer any type of licensing for Private Investigators, anyone can literally begin to offer Investigative Services under any name. The same holds true for mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and other services that normally require licensing in the United States.

But, just because your investigator is not licensed in Costa Rica, it doesn’t mean that he’s not licensed anywhere else. Because Costa Rica is held to different standards, this means that if you get scammed, you won’t be able to come after your investigator. Always protect your assets when you’re conducting business with a company outside of the United States.

Third:

Before hiring a Private Investigator in Costa Rica, make sure that the investigator is qualified to complete the task at hand. Do they have a Private Investigator’s license in the United States? If so, they probably have a company as well.

Always request licensing information, if they don’t have one, ask for a reason as to why they don’t have one. If they came from the United States, ask for proof that they are still in good standing with the licensing department in the United States. Costa Rica is the land of the Wanted & Unwanted. Many people run away from the United States due to legal reasons. Is your private investigator fleeing the country due to unethical practices? You need to make sure.

Trustworthy & Reliable

Does your private investigator have an office in Costa Rica? If so, is the address a legitimate address, or is it a parking garage? Do they have a phone number where they can be reached easily? Will he provide you with a detailed billing of his work and expenses? Does he have a bank account, or will you have to wire him money?

Experience & Education

Do they have any certifications? Are they certified fraud examiners? Anyone can tell you that they have years of experience, but without any type of certification, this is hard to prove. The same holds true when they claim to have Federal Government background experience. How can you prove that? And does this mean that they were on the field conducting investigations, or were they in an office foreseeing investigations?

Experience is a very valuable tool, as long as you have experience in the right field. We have been offering investigative services for over 30 years starting in the United States. Our corporate office, located in Orlando Florida, is still operational in the states. But we don’t offer every type of investigation. We focus on the three main investigation services in order to guarantee quality control.

We hope that If you follow these simple guidelines, and take your time to interview your investigator, you’ll be able to find a private investigator in Costa Rica, and any other part of the world. These tips will save you money and frustration in the long run. We have found over the years that our clients are intelligent people who can recognize a pretender. Real investigators have the verifiable experience, licensing and training to carry out your objectives. if you want to know more please feel free to contact us at Cody L. Gear and Associates.

Don’t forget this tip: A good investigator will never hesitate to give you the information you’re asking for.  Remember, you don’t depend on us. We depend on you.

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