Barbara Sturncova

Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Private Investigations, Travel Destinations

Breaking news on Barbara Sturncova

Barbara Sturrncova who went missing five years ago is in the news again. Apparently, her male companion, The FBI arrested today while attempting to board an airplane with his new bride. He was arrested for using a fraudulent passport. In the past, there has been much speculation about Ulner and the role he played in Sturncova’s disappearance. No one has seen or heard from Sturncova since her disappearance and none of her bank cards have been used. Although highly coincidental, there is no evidence to link Ulner to her disappearance.

We wrote a cold case article about Barbara Sturncova and others that have mysteriously vanished into thin air. There are several people who have vanished never to be seen or heard from again. Fox 31 in Denver is reporting the story. There have been several people who have tried unsuccessfully to find Sturncova but have run into dead ends. The odds of ever finding her are poor.

The information we have received is that Ulner recently married and was at the airport leaving for his honeymoon when the FBI nabbed him. Information on his new wife and other information concerning his arrest has not been disclosed. Perhaps one day someone will discover Barbara and bring this case to a conclusion.

I have written this article to emphasize to those who have loved ones here, not to delay reporting a person missing. The simple fact that law enforcement is stretched to the limits further complicates cases like Barbara’s. The longer the wait the colder the trail. My years of working with homicides have taught me the quicker I get the case the better the result.

Finding a Person, Place or Thing in Costa Rica

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Persons, Places, and Things in Costa Rica

Finding a Person, Place or Thing in Costa Rica? Hunting for a missing person, or simply trying to locate someone? Need to find an address or asset in Costa Rica? Whatever the reasons are for looking, you have come to the right place. For fast, reliable, trustworthy, and affordable professional help in locating someone, we can help. Searching for a location in Costa Rica? A bigger challenge than most realize. Trying to recover an asset? Costa Rica is rife with fraud and the laws here actually help the scammers hide assets. There are many reasons why you may need to locate someone, find a place or locate a thing.

We are not a database mill

I am not a “People Finder Instant Search” database company that provides you with old, outdated public record information. We are a professional private investigation agency physically located in Costa Rica (Not Nicaragua) that specializes in finding people, quickly and cost-effectively. I have access to data, resources, and other information that allow us to get you the result you want, not excuses. Why pay someone who is not here to find the information you already have? When you work with the private investigators in our firm, you will find that the more information you have about the target, the less it will cost you. Our basic locate investigations take as little as three 3hours of investigative time and fewer than 50% take more than that amount to complete. Of course verification of the location and identifying the target as being there have added costs.

Obviously, some people are more difficult to locate than others. Costa Rica is known as the land of the wanted and the unwanted. Those wanted by law enforcement, hiding from creditors, drug users, and others require more work to locate than the average person. We encourage you to tell us as much as possible about the person we are trying to locate ahead of time. This allows us to give you an accurate perspective of the time and cost required. As the most trusted private investigator in Costa Rica, we have reunited adoptees with their birth parents. Likewise, we have, located people that are in need of medical assistance. In some cases located missing persons, are either the victim of a drowning or of a crime.

We have investigated the disappearance of people due to suspicious circumstances. We have assisted in, and, the recovery of the remains when they have fell victim to a crime or a drowning. It is reported that there are more deaths here from drowning than from automobile accidents. The Government here is not user-friendly and getting assistance to look for someone is difficult at best.

What makes our missing person and people locate services stand out from the crowd?

Our firm is a Private Investigator Agency, not a database search company
We provide 50 years of professional experience and judgment
We tell you where all of the information we provide came from
There will be an actual investigator to speak with about your locate investigation
Our locate investigations are conducted by investigators, not databases.
You will be given a detailed report of our findings
Our relationship with you is strictly CONFIDENTIAL

If you find that you need more than just a simple locate or person search, our background check services will give you all the information you will need about someone’s background. Our firm is a full-service private detective agency able to bring the full assets of our agency, with international and domestic resources, to the table.

Missing Persons in Costa Rica

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What to do in Locating Missing Persons in Costa Rica

Locating missing persons in Costa Rica is much different from the methods and techniques used in the United States. There are numerous people that have gone missing in Costa Rica and have to date not been found. It is important that if you find yourself in this situation, you understand that the authorities here neither have the resources nor the motivation to find the missing person. The one thing that is absolutely necessary is to get someone involved to start looking for the missing person. The longer the time the greater the chance that the person will not be located. Please remember that the longer you wait the colder the trail will become. Additionally, don’t expect much help from the U.S. Embassy. They will take the information and tell you they will contact Costa Rica Police. However, make sure you report the missing person to the Embassy.

1st Thing to do in Locating Missing Persons in Costa Rica

The first thing you should do in locating missing persons in Costa Rica is to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency. When you do so give them as much information as humanly possible. Although the local law enforcement agency will have little to lend to the search and recovery of the missing person, it is one of the first things that the American Embassy in Costa Rica will ask you. Do not delay in making the missing person report to the police. All of the cases that we have handled have had considerable time lapses between the disappearance and reporting of the person missing. Each moment that passes with nothing being initiated to locate the person further reduces the chances of the person being found.

2nd Thing to do in Locating Missing Persons in Costa Rica

Call the American Embassy in Costa Rica. If you are calling from the States dial 011-506-2519-2000 and ask for extension 2453. Alternatively, if it is after business hours or the weekend, send an email to acssanjose@state.gov and provide all of the information about the missing person including but not limited to; photographs, flight itinerary, hotel reservation, date of arrival, anticipated date of departure, photographs, and the reason you suspect the person is missing.

3rd Thing to do

It is necessary that the missing person be reported missing to the Judicial Police in Costa Rica. They are commonly referred to as OIJ. If you call them be prepared to have someone who speaks Spanish as there are no resources for English. Costa Rica Law requires that an immediate member of the missing person’s family report the incident. They will not accept the missing person report from a third party. This must be done in person by the immediate family member. Thus be prepared to make arrangements for the immediate family member to travel to Costa Rica to make the report.

Alternatively, an immediate family member can go to the nearest Costa Rica Consulate and report the person missing. They will need the same information as previously outlined for the American Embassy. This will further delay the missing person investigation as the bureaucracy of the Costa Rica government moves slowly.

The Last thing to do

Probably the most important of all is not to procrastinate in reporting the missing loved one in Costa Rica. Also, equally important to retain the services of a professional and reliable private investigator to begin searching immediately. The longer time in retaining the services of such a professional only means that the trail will be colder by the minute. Years of experience have taught me that it is imperative to get on this search as soon as possible.

Conducting Surveillance in Costa Rica

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Conducting surveillance in Costa Rica presents challenges not faced by private investigators in the United States. When a client calls and wants surveillance conducted here in Costa Rica I try to give them reasonable expectations on the results of such surveillance. Unlike the United States, private investigators can have sufficient time to capture indiscretions> Here we usually have less than a week. In some instances even less time. If you call me to conduct surveillance, I will tell you, “the target of surveillance never performs on cue”.

What is necessary

Surveillance is being in the right place at the right time and discreetly capturing the indiscretion on video. That means that the target cannot know they are being watched or their activities are being recorded. Many of the venues in Costa Rica have ramped up security in the form of CCTV and security guards. They are sensitive to videoing and will not hesitate to ask what you are doing. Thus not only does the PI need to be discreet, but they must also be discreet and vigilant as to their surroundings.

For this reason, we use teams of investigators usually comprised of two or three to carry out a surveillance. There are some P.I.’s that are on the web that use just one person for surveillance. Indeed, they subcontract the surveillance to someone you don’t know and refuse to identify them. I know of one PI that was deported from Costa Rica and is advertising services here and he can’t even enter the country. Thus it pays to vet the PI and make sure he has the experience and resources to carry out the surveillance.

Case Review

Recently we had a surveillance in a resort that has extremely tight security. Many of the places that people rent are private residences within the resort and are only accessible through a guarded gate. If you are not a guest you are denied entry. The resort is patrolled by security guards who check visitors and routinely ask them their purpose for being there. Fortunately, the resort rents golf carts which don’t draw the attention of a roaming car. Use of the golf cart helps but if you remain stationary for any length of time a guard will approach you. This means that you have to be on a constant move.

Surveillance Targets

Targets that are involved in an affair are sensitive to seeing the same person or car more than once. This requires that you change personnel frequently. Through diligence and perseverance usually enjoy success. Many of our clients think that capturing public displays of affection is commonplace. Here again, targets do not perform on cue. You have to be in the right place at the right time to capture PDA’s. Investigators cannot manufacture or script such activities.

All in all, if you have reasonable expectations you will not be disappointed in the results. If your expectations are those that are shown on TV programs such as “Cheaters” you will be disappointed in the results. Make sure you discuss expectations and results with your private investigator in order to make your surveillance successful.

Private Investigator Qualities

Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Private Investigations, Real Estate Fraud, Tips and Tricks

Private Investigator Qualities to look for before pulling the trigger hiring a private investigator. Indeed, private investigators have historically played a part in our childhood fascinations. Due to the many famous detective characters in modern literature, we have an idea of what one is. From Sherlock Holmes to Erin Brockovich. The acute observation and the unparalleled wit of these famous private investigators make the profession attractive to many. Always accompanied by a trusted detective make use of just their intellectual abilities to nab suspects. Among the many private investigators’ qualities that a detective should possess, here are some.

Private Investigator Qualities, Knowledge:

A real-life detective gets a variety of assignments. They range from insurance fraud, extramarital affairs, theft, surveillance, and so on. Accordingly, private detectives should possess an extensive amount of knowledge and experience. This will help them to get the job done as quickly, smoothly, and efficiently as possible.

Stealth:

A detective needs to be as inconspicuous as possible. They cannot afford to demonstrate behavior or possess some characteristic that attracts unwanted attention. Especially in cases that require prolonged surveillance. Investigators have to work in an incognito mode in order to gather as much information as possible.

Courage:

This is a primary trait of private investigators. They should be really crafty and street-smart. A little bit of hustling abilities is needed in order to get out of tight situations. As detectives do not really have any so-called authoritative backing, they need their wit to get them out of sticky situations.

Trustworthiness:

Their profession demands that clients disclose delicate information. Detectives need to understand and respect the importance and trust the clients bestow by providing such information. Under no circumstances this information should not be disclosed in any manner. The profession demands that client secrets are kept and any disclosure amounts to serious credibility issues, even inviting lawsuits.

Decision Making:

This important trait rounds up the top quality of a private detective. The job sometimes creates situations that demand thinking on the feet. Quick decision-making abilities demand keeping short-term and long-term objectives in mind. Stable conclusions based on observations that would help to resolve the case need to be taken confidently.

The qualities needed to be a detective are many. But these are some of the essential characteristics that are a must for a successful foray into this interesting profession.

Setting Expectations for Costa Rica Infidelity Cases

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With the high season just around the corner, we here in Costa will see an increase in inquiries about infidelity investigations. I feel that one important part of taking on a new client is setting expectations, for Costa Rica infidelity cases. Among such is including for cost, process, outcome, and findings. Understanding the process, such as associated costs and the time frame for gathering relevant information. I find that by setting expectations for Costa Rica infidelity cases, it is best to provide the client with sufficient information prior to commencement in order to avoid misunderstandings in the future.

The investigative process utilized in these types of cases is an art, not a science, it’s an art. For this reason, clients have to be flexible as these situations are fluid and change rapidly.

Recommendations from a Costa Rica Investigator

The final results are not always what a client wants or thinks they should be.

I have had cases where we followed people off and on for months and never caught them cheating. When you report this back to the client there are some that simply think you didn’t do your job. We always tell people, just because they may exhibit signs of cheating it doesn’t always mean they are and we can’t catch people that aren’t cheating, cheating!

The cost

Some people think you can catch a cheating partner in 1 hour and an investigation will only cost $100.00. Rarely do we encounter circumstances that allowed us to catch a cheater within the first moment of beginning surveillance. Frequently, it’s difficult to get people to understand that when people cheat they don’t always meet with their lover daily or even every week. So sometimes it takes a little time to discover what they are doing. Time is money! Remember a cheater never performs on cue!

Results to show they are or are not cheating. I am not in the business of manufacturing fabrications to show someone is cheating. I have actually had clients that have requested that I set the target up with a hooker and capture the encounter on video. Obviously, I am not in the extortion business either.

Disclosing to the client

Sometimes they are just wrong, and there is nothing going on. PI work is 50% luck and 50% skill. I have to be in the right place at the right time and have the knowledge to do a proper and professional job once the situation presents itself. I also emphasize as I said earlier, targets of surveillance never perform on cue. It is important once the surveillance is undertaken that the client maintains a demeanor that is consistent with their normal behavior so as to not alert or raise suspicion of the target

Depending on the signs that raised suspicion and habits 2-3 weeks. I explain our steps to provide results depending on the questionable behavior. Optional steps moving forward after confirmation such as attorneys or counseling. The majority of surveillance here is 3-6 days. It is expensive and a budget ranging from $1,200-$5,000 should be expected. Additionally, there will be expenses that are not covered in the professional fees.

I generally tell my clients that it’s difficult to uncover infidelity with less than 10 hours of surveillance. It’s possible, but not likely. I suggest a minimum of 20 hours of surveillance. Assuming I’m only using one investigator on the case, that will cost a client around $3000. A thorough Costa Rica infidelity investigation will run a client a minimum of $3000. We like to have a consultation with the client prior to the surveillance in order to fine-tune the details of the case (surveillance schedule, physical descriptions, photographs, etc.). I cannot guarantee results and we take a full retainer upfront.

Timeline 1-3 days of surveillance.

No guarantees that we will find anything. Will not induce the subject into making contact. Provide them with our hourly rate and mileage rates.

I let my clients know what to expect upfront so that they do not get unreasonable expectations. Cost is one of the first things we discuss.

Every client is given a realistic set of expectations as to what my inquiry can legally engage in

That is in some cases when they ask for “off the radar” information; it is explained that in the course of conducting an investigation it serves the client’s best interest in utilizing a legally sound practice and methods. This allows all information harvested to be admissible and shared between both parties.

Costa Rica Brides

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Costa Rica is gaining popularity for nothing else but Costa Rican brides and romance scams these days.

How the country got itself involved in this mess goes back to two things; beautiful women; and a dismal economy. As Costa Ricans seek a better life, many have found that by scamming foreigners on the internet can be a way out to a better situation. None better than a Costa Rica Bride scheme. If being a criminal or unethical is what it takes, many Costa Rican scammers accept the risk. The poor economy in Central America has led many beautiful Costa Ricans to seek love online on major social networks and also online dating sites. Other Costa Rican women choose adult web cam sites or adult online dating. They hope to meet a foreigner who can support them, and pay their way to a better life. And, they are willing to do nearly whatever it takes to get it.

Current status

We as Costa Rican investigators can confirm that in the past six months the request for investigations on women located in Medellin and elsewhere in Colombia has nearly doubled. Clearly, not all Costa Rican women are scammers and many are beautiful, honest and decent women truly looking for love, or just looking to meet new people. Investigators say ignoring the risk, however, is a dangerous way to conduct relationships online, and often leads to internet users being victims.

Fake profiles and photographs

Some scammers use fake profiles and photographs. Others show themselves on website, but lie about their true identity and/or circumstances. Still others reveal themselves entirely, but lie about their intentions, feelings and motives just to get your money or gifts. It’s a serious risk that can leave online dating subscribers and social networking users devastated with heartache and very serious financial loss. Experts say it is essential to verify first rather than later.

Caveat Emptor

Remember “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) that the risk for online scams and fraud, especially in the realm of internet dating and social networks continues to rise. Guard your personal information. Do not reveal your true date of birth or address until you’ve met the subject in person, or had the person verified by a reputable private investigation company and background check.

Professional scammers

Romance scammers are professional criminals that know their ways to gain your trust and eventually your money. Investigators have seen people requesting help when it is already too late and in most cases, victims have lost a lot of money and life savings, even their homes in some cases. Whether it’s Costa Rica or elsewhere, take it slow on the internet. Take time to get to know the person, protect your personal data, and consider an a thorough due diligence prior to sending any money or making an emotional commitment, this will save you money and heartache.

Costa Rica-Panama Run

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The Costa Rica-Panama Run has more headaches than ever. Recently, a group of Costa Rica football players was traveling to Panama to play in David. At the border, the Panamanian immigration required each person to demonstrate that they had $500. Either on their person or prove they had that much in an account they could access from Panama. The team had a few Americans. In addition, they were required to produce proof of a return trip ticket to the United States from Panama. The Americans were detained until they provided proof of purchase for a return trip to the United States.

What’s the problem?

It is unclear if this initiative was solely the Panamanian Government or a collaboration between Costa Rica and Panama. The objective was to stem the abuse of the “permanent tourist” which Costa Rica wants to stop. It has long been the custom in Costa Rica that Americans were given a visa stamp for 90 days. Many Americans who stay here longer would travel to either Panama or Nicaragua to obtain another 90-day stamp. Entry into Costa Rica is for 30 days and Americans must show proof of a return to the United States.

Why is this happening?

It is apparent that the governments in this part of the world are increasing their efforts to impede Americans. So, freely moving between countries or otherwise not complying with local immigration regulations is ending. Residency requirements in Costa Rica are in a perpetual state of flux with changes taking place with little or no thought as to the consequences. As one Panamanian official said when asked; ” We are tired of processing thousands of perpetual tourists from Costa Rica each year who contribute nothing to Panama. Thinking you are “entitled” to have your passport stamped is a misconception and the times of the past are no longer”.

It is advisable that if you go to the border by land for any reason you should be prepared to face obstacles, particularly if you are an American. If you need assistance prior to traveling I suggest that you contact us to learn the latest in border crossing snafus.

Relationship Background Checks

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I have often thought, why don’t my clients check the backgrounds with who they have a relationship? Relationship background checks are absolutely necessary for any relationship in Costa Rica. Furthermore, failure in doing so may cause you both emotional and financial bankruptcy in the future. You need to keep in mind that Costa Rica is a third-world country. Thus the economics here leave many wanting just for the basics every day. We recommend that before you do anything here, you have us do the due diligence to prevent a bad decision. Caveat Emptor, which means “buyer beware”. Perhaps in this context, it should be “careful what you ask for, you might get it”. You as the foundation of a relationship here cannot be understated.

What do I need to do a background check

It is important that you get as much information that is available prior to due diligence. Things like the complete name, date of birth. and place of employment. You need to remember, everything person down here has two last names. Absent a cedula number it is impossible to get an accurate due diligence check done. With the complete name accessing the records will be more efficient and save money. The more information you provide the more information we will be able to get. Aslo, pinpointing where they live is important for several reasons.

What about business relationship?

Before you enter into any business agreement with anyone in Costa Rica you need to have them checked out. If its real estate even moreso. The biggest fraud here is real estate fraud. The main reason for this is due to no government oversight on real estate agents or companies. If you want to be a real estate agent in Costa Rica you don’t need a license to do so. Costa Rica is notorious for fostering and promoting fraud by scammers. That is the reason yo need to do your homework.

Cheating Girlfriend in Costa Rica

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Back in the States do you have a Cheating Girlfriend in Costa Rica?

Do you ever have a gut feeling that you have a cheating girlfriend in Costa Rica? Concluding all of us men are the same. As a tenured and professional private investigators, most, think with their hearts. Moreover, that is until the brain takes over and says “something wrong here”. More than often they don’t see what is right in front of their eyes. It’s a predicament. We try to avoid scams and cheating girlfriends. The more we get reeled in the fewer things we see that are obvious.

Sometimes it takes the scrutiny or unbiased opinion of a neutral party to give us the truth that we don’t see in front of us. Actually taking the step to seek out this advice is a big one and as men, we don’t even want to admit to ourselves that the possibility exists. We rationalize all of the telltale signs of what she’s doing and try to convince ourselves that there is an explanation for everything. There are always red flags. The red flags are usually pretty standard and anyone paying attention will see these red flags long before the man will.

Observations

Cody Gear has seen these scenarios firsthand for over 20 years. I know how to get you the answers you want….or don’t want. We won’t just bring you an opinion. We’ll bring you evidence and results to help you make difficult choices if that’s the case. If you think that you have a cheating girlfriend in Costa Rica, call us. For expert advice to help protect you from heartache and possible financial loss you might want to consider taking our short course on how to avoid getting caught in the most common traps of women who play games. If you want to find out more about this subject click here.

Barbara Sturncova

Breaking news on Barbara Sturncova

Finding a Person, Place or Thing in Costa Rica