Costa Rica Investigator

Hiring a Costa Rica Private Investigator

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Before hiring a Costa Rica private investigator

 

Hiring a Costa Rica private investigator does not have to be a stressful or difficult process.  Before hiring a Costa Rica private investigator, I will share with you these simple steps as a guideline for locating the right Costa Rica private investigator. Today, it is easy to be misled, so it behooves you to thoroughly vett the PI before you retain them. I have assembled a few tips and guidelines to help you make an informed decision. These guidelines apply to me as well and I endeavor to make sure my clients have as much information as possible.

Licensing

There is no licensing system for private investigators in Costa Rica. Thus it is important to feel comfortable with the PI you select. No one in Costa Rica has a license to do investigations.  Unlike the United States where PI licensing is regulated on the state level. If the actual investigator does not possess a license issued by a state, then that tells you that this person is possibly unqualified to do investigative work.

Currently, the only states that do not require private investigators to be licensed are: Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota, & Wyoming

Always contact the appropriate state licensing agency to confirm an investigator’s license is current and in good standing prior to hiring them.

PI Firms vs. Individuals

One key choice in hiring a Costa Rica Private Investigator is whether to hire an individual or an investigative firm. Firms typically employ greater resources and are ideal for cases requiring large amounts of surveillance and manpower. Individual PI’s can often provide a wealth of knowledge with issues including the location of persons, background investigations, asset investigations etc.

Be sure to choose an investigator or firm that employs the necessary resources and prior experience to properly address your needs.

Hiring a Private Investigator

It is important to feel comfortable with the PI you choose as matters that require private investigation cases are often of a sensitive nature. Look for individuals who are able to think “outside of the box” and adapt to changing situations easily. Inquire as to signing a contract or agreement listing the private investigator’s services, fees, and terms. Make sure this agreement comes from the person or firm who is physically present in Costa Rica and is actually doing the investigation. This protects both parties.

Be sure to ask a potential investigator as many questions as possible. Use your judgment in selecting a PI. If your not comfortable with their answers, demeanor, or experience you should find another private investigator with who you are.

Questions to Ask Your Investigator

How long have you been in business?

How many cases of this nature have you handled?

What is your success rate with cases of this nature?

What are your rates and fees?

Will you provide me with a written contract?

Do you have experience testifying in court?

Do you take video of surveillance operations?

Can you perform covert surveillance as needed?

Can you provide a reference of an attorney you’ve worked for in the past?

My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone

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My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone?

Many women have called me with a suspicion. They ask me; “My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone ” should I be concerned? Here is a compilation of some of the signs of a husband that may be cheating.  These observations only indicate conduct of a cheating husband. They are not absolutes!  If your husband exhibits one or two of these traits, and there is a legitimate reason and a mutual agreement (such as the two of you agree to try to lose weight, he gets a little obsessive about it), this by and of itself does NOT indicate infidelity.  As an experienced Private Investigator, I have seen many forms of deception.

Listen to your Intuition;

Why My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone?

However, when you observe several, or many, of these traits, your marriage may be in jeopardy.  Most of this is based on many years of surveilling cheaters. I have established a pretty good idea of traits that indicate an affair. Especially in Costa Rica. For example, the pretext to the wife that there is a group going on a fishing trip in Jaco. Jaco is now the hotbed for sex tourism in Costa Rica. The chances of infidelity increase exponentially if your spouse goes to or near Jaco.

Obvious Clue: Why is he in Costa Rica without you?

Many of my clients call and ask about surveillance of their husband. I have heard all kinds of stories. The most pressing question, every woman should have is, why is he there without me. Or, alternatively, why does he go there regularly?


Clue # 1–Gut Instinct:

  • A sure sign of a cheating spouse; is having to ask that question in the first place.
  • Your husband or wife stops confiding in you and seeking advice from you.
  • Your intuition (gut feeling) tells you that something is not right.
  • You find intimate apparel or other small gift-type items that are gifts for someone else.

Clue # 2–Traits That Are Not Their Usual Personality:

  • When your partner shows up without their wedding ring. He suddenly stops wearing it and makes lame excuses as to why. This also goes for jewelry you might have purchased for him and you see them not wearing it when they go out when normally they wear it at all time.
  • When they change their normal routine at work and home for no apparent reason; unusual behavior.
  • When he becomes suddenly forgetful. You have to tell him/her everything several times; their thoughts are obviously elsewhere.
  • When they appear distant, show a lack of interest, or demonstrate unexplained aloofness.
  • When his behavior just doesn’t “add up”.
  • When your wife sleeps with her cell phone. Alternatively, when your husband sneaks out of the house.
  • When your husband suddenly becomes combative or argumentative. He completely ignores you and not listening to what you are saying.
  • When they tell you to get out more and promote out of town excursions.
  • When your husband intentionally looks at or flirts with the opposite sex.
Couple at Jaco Costa Rica

Cheating is Alive and Well in Costa Rica

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Couple at Jaco Costa Rica

Cheating and Costa Rica

Cheating in Costa Rica is alive and well. Recently, I have noticed an increase in cases involving a cheating spouse in Costa Rica. During the past year, the demand for surveillance I receive of a cheating spouse has risen dramatically. The increase has been so dramatic that our private investigation agency has had to increase staff to keep pace with the demand.

Is he going to Jaco?

if you have a loved one going to Jaco, that’s a huge red flag. Jaco has become the hotbed for sex tourism in Costa Rica. I have a list of hotels and casinos that cater to men traveling to Costa Rica for a “good time”. You should know that there’s no way to prevent cheating, but you can catch a cheater “red-handed”.  Surveillance is never quick or cheap. Your husband or boyfriend will never perform on cue. You need to know that patience and perseverance will get the proof you want.

What can you do?

First and foremost, get prepared. Most people like you have had this suspicion for some time. It’s no surprise and now you have decided, enough is enough. You need to be financially ready to fund the surveillance. The most successful surveillances occur when we are in the same hotel as the target.  Naturally, since the boys are going there to live the “lie” they stay in places that are convenient to the girls. These places are not cheap! If you don’t commit to the surveillance in advance of their trip, getting a room in the same hotel may be problematic.

Second thing needed

You need to obtain as much information about their plans as possible. If you can, get a copy of their itinerary and take mental notes when they are sharing details with you. Pictures of your loved one as well as anyone who may be traveling with them.  Something you may hear is about the fishing trip. I know that Costa Rica is known as a fishing destination for avid fishermen. I am working on many cases now that began with the story that the errant spouse is going to Costa Rica to fish.

This “cover story”, in a sense is true. I know the type of fishing being done is not in the ocean. It is in the numerous locations that have young, beautiful, and exotic women who work in the sex trade. The bait being used is approximately six inches long, green, and is called United States currency. Yes, cheating is alive and well in Costa Rica.

Where do most cases come from

The highest rate of cheating spouses coming to Costa Rica comes from the larger metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, New York Chicago, or Miami. Over the past six months, the majority of infidelity cases have come from the Atlanta area. The cases range from a weekend spree to secreting money to prostitutes and starting new families complete with children.

I have had cases where the cheating spouse has bought real estate in Costa Rica, without the knowledge or consent of the stateside wife. The wife can attach all assets here in Costa Rica without first obtaining a divorce in the United States. Costa Rica has very unique laws concerning such real estate purchases.

How I have responded to the increase

Our office here in San Jose is fully staffed and I have a partner who is a licensed Costa Rican Attorney. Here, to recover assets that have been squandered surreptitiously it is necessary to have an attorney. As a result, the victim’s spouse can get equitable relief in negotiating the property and settlement agreement. Although I have a law degree, I do not practice law in Costa Rica and advise that anyone needing a detailed explanation of the laws here contact someone like my partner, Roberto Romero Mora and have the law explained in detail.

Often I am asked, when should a suspicious spouse seek my services. I think the mere fact he is coming to Costa Rica with buddies is sufficient to warrant surveillance. If nothing happens then the spouse in the United States can have peace of mind and an increased level of confidence in her spouse.

Surveillance Expectations versus Reality

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When it comes to surveillance expectations versus reality it is usually in the eye of the beholder as to the degree of success a private investigator will enjoy.

Surveillance is not a science it is an art. By and large, the success of a surveillance depends on the observer. And perhaps even greater by the environment surrounding the surveillance. Many who call to have a surveillance conducted have never done so before. With that comes a variety of questions and assumptions about the surveillance process. Thus, surveillance expectations should be tempered with reasonable goals. Getting video of infidelity in a bedroom will not happen,

Expectations

It has been my experience that the decision to watch someone comes quickly. Usually when something happens in a relationship that triggers a suspicion or furthers a previous suspicion. Professionals know that last minute surveillances are a challenge as there is little or no time to plan and prepare.  Planning a surveillance well in advance of the actual operation is always best. This allows the investigator to take tactical advantage of the circumstances that the case presents. This is particularly true in Costa Rica as the distance the team must travel in order to arrive at the surveillance destination is sometimes between four to six hours. During the initial interview with you I will provide you the details

Reality

For example, many of the resorts in Costa Rica, Colombia and Ecuador have a gated and guarded entrance. Accessing these as a non-guest is very difficult. If the target of a surveillance has given information about the location they will be staying sufficiently in advance of arrival, it allows the investigator and his team to make reservations at the same location and allows for surveillance that will be very successful. It also permits for the surveillance team to access the resort at will thus making the chances of success much greater.

A professional will have a  surveillance team. Organizing and placing agents in locations that give the best vantage is essential to a successful surveillance. So-called investigators that try and do this alone are doomed to failure. Today,   awareness of what is going on in the immediate area and seeing the same face too often will alert a target of being watched.

Preparing Domestic Cases in Costa Rica

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Preparing Domestic Cases In Costa Rica

How do you go about preparing domestic cases in Costa Rica? What are some considerations when planning a domestic or infidelity case in Costa Rica?  I know that most of the cases we see are done on impulse. Moreover, there is little if any planning that has been given to the case. I find this makes it more difficult for the investigator to do his job and cost more. Understanding that the events leading up to the decision to hire a private investigator are troubling enough. Thus, it is easy to understand the lack of preparation. This article I will give an insight into things that can be done to enhance and improve the chances of a successful infidelity investigation.

Advance Preparation

Most clients are aware of a planned trip well before the time it will start. therefore, if there are suspicions that your loved one is being unfaithful, now is the time to get your “ducks” in a row. Preparing domestic cases in Costa Rica, I have found the following to be useful. First, consider the resources available to fund the investigation. Many clients inquire about services and have given little or no thought on the cost of conducting a surveillance. All targets of a surveillance never perform on cue. It is a matter of being in the right place at the right time to capture the indiscretion.

Location of surveillance

Secondly, part of the cost in Costa Rica is the location at which the surveillance will take place. I know almost all of the resorts and hotels in Costa Rica have security and limited access by non guests. Consequently, the surveillance is limited to the times that the target is outside the hotel or resort. Experience has demonstrated that being in the hotel or resort as a guest increases the opportunities to watch and record the targets activities. Therefore, knowing ahead of time the location allows the Costa Rica Private Investigator time to make reservations and arrive at the same time. Consequently this can be costly as there are two seasons in Costa Rica. First,the green season, which goes from November to April is usually priced twice as much as the rest of the year.

Surveillance is not a science, it’s a skill

Surveillance is never like it is portrayed on television. I have watched some television productions, take a six week surveillance and condense it to one hour. Surveillance, simply does not work that way. The more ahead of time planning and preparation will assist in getting the results you want.

Intelligence

Itineraries, reservations, flights and travelling companions are all good intelligence that your Costa Rica Private Investigator can use. I recommend that if you suspect something is amiss, start collecting information now. The more information you have about the trip and things that they will be doing will all prove to be invaluable.

Costa Rica Surveillance Services

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I have todeve;opedosta Rica Surveillance Services

Finding Costa Rica Surveillance Services can be a challenge. Many who advertise or blog on the web are not here. I have learned these sites farm out services to less than competent or professional investigators. I have the practice, skill and experience acquired during my career as law enforcement detective. Cody L Gear and Associates has forged an entirely new form of surveillance services.  Therefore, I use latest methods and technologies meaning that there are few scenarios or locations in which I cannot capture. I have  operatives that are renowned for their ability to get closer, to take longer and better footage. Resulting, in a manner that is virtually undetectable, thus providing the highest level of discretion.

If you want success be proactive

Our surveillance services include the use of encrypted original footage. Thus, ensuring compliance with the civil rules of procedure for evidence gathering and storage procedures. I am fully compliant with the new hybrid civil / criminal evidence format, our evidence is  admitted in court. This results in the majority used primarily civil cases.

Admisabilty

The result by following such procedures we insure that the evidence we obtain can be used in court. I am confident the extent and quality of our surveillance cases are changing the way personal injury fraud is prosecuted. Furthermore. it is no coincidence that two of the most important recent cases in relation to personal injury fraud both relied upon our evidence. I am one of a few firms to offer a complete and reliable capture of proof that you need.

Additionally, I can travel to the United States to testify.  I have to testify to authenticate the evidence for it to be admissible in court. Additionally I use the latest state of the art equipment and techniques to accomplish our mission. Such equipment includes night vision and stealth cameras. We also use remote video cameras that allow us to conduct surveillances for extended periods of time.

Surveillance Takes Time and Patience

Targets of surveillance Never perform on cue! It is a matter of perseverance and being in the right place at the right time to capture the indiscretion. If you suspect your significant other is being unfaithful and you have advance notice of the travel plans to Costa Rica, call us and allow us to assist you with a strategy to accomplish your objectives.

Information-Costa Rica Private Investigator Needs

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What Information a Costa Rica Investigator Needs

In order for a Costa Rica private investigator to find a missing person, you will need to provide them with as much information as possible. If you could provide the private investigator with a name, date of birth, Costa Rica Cedula number, age, last address known, or anything else that you might consider helpful. However, if all you can provide is a name, a professional Costa Rica private investigator can still find the person. Even if they have remarried. More important is to get someone on this ASAP. You will find the authorities are notoriously slow, yes even the Embassy.

 

I am not a magician

Just keep in mind that the less information you have, the longer it might take for the private investigator to find the person you are looking for. It is also much harder for the private investigator to find someone if they are running from the law. Although, no matter what the circumstances the private investigator should exhaust all resources in order to find who they are looking for. Some tips; if your target lives in Costa Rica, they will have two last names. (i.e. Gonzalez- Bedoa)  This is very important as this will reduce the amount of time to locate them and/or get information on their whereabouts. If it is an American you seek a passport will also save time and money.

How do they find the person I am looking for?

A reliable, trustworthy Costa Rica professional private investigator has a number of different resources that the “ordinary person” does not have.. Private investigators have access to the most modern technology and databases that will help provide the information they are looking for. Some of these databases can only be used by private investigators, so the “ordinary person” would never have access to this information. They also have easier access to the large amounts of public records and information that is out there. Plus, last but not least, the skills they have acquired over the years as a private investigator give them a great advantage over someone who doesn’t have professional experience.

How long will it take?

How long it takes really depends on the person the private investigator is trying to find. A private investigator’s vast resources and professional experience can sometimes allow them to find someone in 24 hours or less! However, this greatly depends on how willing the person is to be found. If the private investigator is looking for an old friend, long lost love, or a family member it should be a lot easier than looking for someone who is running from the law. It also depends on how much information you are able to give the private investigator.

Why should I hire a private investigator?

For an affordable and reasonable amount a professional Costa Rica private investigator can find the person, you are looking for. They have the skills, resources, and time to get the job done in a timely fashion. In fact, a private investigator can often find someone you have been looking for, for years in a matter of hours or days. Why spend countless days or even years trying to find someone when you can make a quick phone call and have a professional, Costa Rica private investigator devoted to the job? It just makes sense to use a private investigator that is in Costa Rica..

 

Surveillance in Costa Rica

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How Does Surveillance in Costa Rica Work?

The most important stage of surveillance in Costa Rica is getting to know the “subject” or in many instances, the suspected cheater. So, how does surveillance work in Costa Rica? Information that would be necessary such as knowing the habits of the target. For example what the cheating husband, boyfriend, wife, or girlfriend likes, or dislikes. Other habits, type of food preferred, favorite restaurants frequented, employment information, hobbies, and vehicles are driven.  The possible person he/she might be cheating with, and a description of all parties. Provide information on everything if you suspect your spouse/partner of cheating as, the more you provide upfront, the better the chance for success. Leaving out a detail or two can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of the surveillance.

Once obtained and reviewed “a feel” for the subject and knowing his/her habits, the fieldwork, or surveillance, begins. While some private investigators hold themselves out to be surveillance experts, you know your spouse/partner better than they do. The more information that you can provide them, the better chance for success in the field.

As the surveillance progresses, most clients want regular reports or communication regarding what we are finding in the field. Communication with clients on a continuing basis is an indispensable part of a professional surveillance strategy.

 

While some prefer not to receive a report until the conclusion of the infidelity investigation and surveillance. I recommend having regular communications to discuss service and to implement changes when necessary. Most professional private investigators will determine the best method of communicating and frequency based on the circumstances of the surveillance.

Surveillance in Costa Rica

With most private investigators it is common knowledge that the cheater is, generally, aware that someone may be watching or following him/her. Usually, this makes people become more aware of their surroundings while cheating. At times both the subject and the person who he/she is cheating with are both cheating, thus making it more difficult to follow them without being seen. Circumstances like these can make it more practical to use a second investigator. While this will increase the cost, using two investigators on surveillance diminishes the chance of being burnt during the surveillance or losing the subject in traffic. Most successful surveillance operations involve a two or more-person team. This is especially true in Costa Rica.

There are times when infidelity, or cheating, is just not taking place even though you have seen signs to the contrary. There are also times when the cheating is far too infrequent with no established patterns, or so well hidden, that catching the cheater is not possible using normal investigative techniques.

Confidentiality and Discretion

All surveillance investigations should be completely confidential and private. Your identity, along with all information that we obtain on your behalf, should be maintained in the strictest of confidence. Information that obtained as a result of the surveillance should only be provided to you or your attorney.

If you have surveillance that needs to be conducted in Costa Rica, be sure you vet the Investigator you contact. There are only a few here and caution should be exercised, particularly with people that want you to send money via Western Union. Caution should also be exercised with people who have only been here for the past year or so. Some boast of their background, but few can back it up. Be especially cautious of people who hold themselves out as consultants. The ones I know are retirees and have no real practical experience in private investigation. Just because they worked for the government doesn’t make them good or reliable private investigators.

Contrasting Costa Rica Law

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Contrasting Costa Rica Law to the Common Law of the United States

The Common Law that law is the foundation of the law in the United States. Similar but more confusing is the  Napoleonic Code that controls Costa Rica’s law. Contrasting Costa Rica law (the Napoleonic Code) to that of the United States (English common law) it is understandable why numerous Americans are the victims of fraud in Costa Rica. Although this article is dry, it is nonetheless informative. Especially, the challenges and obstacles you will face if you decide to open a business or buy property.

 

Usage today

No matter the fact that the Napoleonic Code was not the very first civil code. Accordingly, it did not stand for every one of Napoleons’ empire. However, it was among the most prominent. It was ratified in many countries inhabited by the French throughout the Napoleonic Wars. Furthermore, it morphed and became the basis of individual legislation devices in Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. Portugal, in addition to Poland (1808– 1946), and Germany to the east of the Rhine. The Napoleonic code was used till the intro of the Gesetzbuch and became the initial civil code for all of Germany.

The Napoleonic Code was additionally accepted in 1864 in Romania

The Code was likewise embraced in Egypt as part of a device of the combined courts in Egypt. The Napoleonic Code was equated into Arabic from the French between 1881-1883. Numerous various other codes with marginal effects were the German, Swiss and Austrian. Nevertheless, there is some effect of the French code that could be really felt. Especially, as the Napoleonic Code is taken as the initial efficient codification of regulation.

Napoleonic Code prevalent in Latin America

The civil law devices of the countries of modern multinational Europe, with the exemption of Russia and numerous other Scandinavian Countries. They have, to differing degrees, been impacted by the Napoleonic Code. The lawful devices of Great Britain other than Scotland and Ireland are based upon the English common law. Scottish legislation, though similarly a civil law device, is uncodified. It was impacted by the Romano-Dutch law concept, and by English legislation.

In the Middle East, the influence of the Napoleonic code was incorporated with pointers of Islamic legislation. It is also in Saudi Arabia (which follows an addition to Islamic legislation). In Kuwait as an example, house civil liberties, girls’ civil liberties, and the education and learning device can be deemed Islamic reenactments of the French civil code. A few of these features can be viewed in different other Gulf states, although much less obvious compared to Kuwait, this primarily being as a result of the autonomous attributes of Kuwait, instead of the absolutist attributes of many different other Gulf nations.

Many Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica have their system of civil law founded on the principles of the Napoleonic Code. Many who come here, especially from the United States, assume that contract law and real estate law are similar to those in the States. Nothing is further from the truth which is why it is necessary to hire a competent Costa Rica lawyer who can guide you through this process.

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.

Reach out to a member of our investigative team, get the answers to any questions you might have.

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