Surveillance Expectations versus Reality

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.

Playa Samara

Costa Rica Travel Tips

Costa Rica Travel Tips from a Costa Rica Private Investigator

Playa Samara

Playa Samara

Costa Rica is a beautiful and generally a safe place to visit. I have prepared a few Costa Rica travel tips from to help you. Planning and travelling to Costa Rica will go smoother. First don’t leave your belongings unguarded. This is especially important when you are on the beach or in a crowded place. Keep your passport, money, and other valuables close at hand. Beware of scams. There are many scams targeting tourists in Costa Rica. Be aware of schemes such as people offering to help you carry your luggage or sell you drugs. Stay alert when driving. Many roads in Costa Rica are narrow and winding, and there is a lot of traffic. Be especially careful when driving at night.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Keep an eye out for pickpockets. Also, be careful when using ATMs. Keep your money in your pockets or inside your backpack. It is common for thieves to target visitors. Since stealing is a crime of opportunity don’t make  it easy for the bad guys. I am offering Travel tips from a Costa Rica Private investigator for free. If you want a detail evaluation of your trip, let me know and I will prepare a customized report.

Know the rules.

Costa Rica is a very safe country, but it does have its rules and regulations. Do your best to learn them before your trip. Keep in mind that you are no longer in the United States. The laws here are different than those you are accustomed to.

Know your limits.

Costa Rica is a great place to visit, but it’s not a cheap place to travel. If you’re planning to visit the country, make sure you have enough money for decent lodging, meals, and souvenirs. Also, you may experience holds on your credit cards for things such as car rentals and hotels. Many of the hotels have very restrictive refund and cancellation rules.7. Know your rights.

Practice good manners.

Here are a few more travel tips from a Costa Rica private investigator. While you’re in Costa Rica, remember to be polite and friendly. Try to be as pleasant as possible to everyone you meet. I know this seems to be trite. Unfortunately, many of the “grigos” that come here are less than courteous. Costa Rican people are pacifist culturally and are sensitive to rude people.

Have fun.

It’s a shame to waste a trip to a beautiful country.  You have gone to a lot of expense and planning to come here. Take advantages of the things that you have never experienced before. Anything from visiting an active volcano to zip lining Costa Rica has it all. Unparalleled beaches with incredible sunsets.

Be safe.

Costa Rica is a safe country, but there are many risks, so be careful when traveling. Keep in mind that emergency services are not what you are accustomed to in the United States. Be sure to check the availability of places that you may need to call upon if you need to.

 

Preparing Domestic Cases in Costa Rica

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.

Facebook Scam

Pandora Jewelry Facebook

Recently, some of my clients have suffered a scam perpetrated via Facebook of a very well done site. http://www.pandorashopus.com/. The facebook scam comes across on your Facebook. As you will see that it has a countdown clock. Only giving customers one day to order the very popular Pandora Jewelry. As you enter the website you will see the jewelry priced very cheap. In most cases less than $10.00. Which goes back to previous posts I have made about deals that are too good to be true. I know for a fact, if something looks, smells or taste to be too good to be true, then count on it, IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.

 

 

Pandora Jewelry whose telephone number is  410-309-0200

To illustrate, I confirmed with Pandora headquarters that the offer appearing on Facebook is not an authorized dealer for Pandora Jewelry. I was advised the real site for Pandora is a “.net”. I was told that this was a scam and anyone who made a purchase via the internet should contact their financial institution immediately and stop payment.

Indeed I received a case, shortly after the purchase was made by our client. They received an email from from PayPal that said “You paid Reitmans,Shenzhen,CN, $27.99 USD.” This corresponded with the confirmation of the order placed to the www.pandorashopus.com website.

Recommendations

My recommendation for anyone who may have placed an order with this site is to contact your financial institution and give them all the information that you have received through your email.

During this time of year, especially with all of the event sales such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you as a consumer need to be wary of any and all offerings on the internet. This is the time of year that scammers hit. Looking at this website, you will find it appearing very authenticate and something you would assume Pandora would publish. But when you see a silver bracelet that normally sells for 137.99, offered for 16.99, something is wrong.

Hope your holiday shopping will go smoothly and hopefully this will help you avoid this scam.

Mistakes Expats Make in Costa Rica

Here’s a list of Mistakes Expats Make in Costa Rica

The law can be preventive medicine, but if not used correctly, it is a devastating curative medicine.  Please let me try and help you avoid the mistakes ex-pats make in Costa Rica. Always bear in mind that the legal system in Costa Rica is Napoleonic, not Common Law. You wake up and realize things are very different here than in the US or Canada. Because of that, the best place to begin your investment plan is in an attorney’s office. Fundamentally, it’s always best to be proactive.

Eleven things not to do

Do not do anything you would not do in your hometown:

Many ex-pats seem to believe they can outsmart the system when they come to a less developed country. Or, it just may be the way most Costa Ricans behave with ‘gringos which turns them into wishful thinkers.

It is best not to try the Do it yourself method!

I know some try to save some dollars in legal fees and avoid the work of finding a good attorney to guide them. Do not do that! Do your homework. Find an attorney, you feel comfortable with and stay with him for as long as he does good work.

Do not rush into the decision of hiring an attorney.

Most importantly if you are thinking of investing in Costa Rica, hiring a local attorney is a must for you. It does not matter if you are just buying a car, a home, or planning to set up a million-dollar business. You will need an attorney. You may not like the idea of paying legal fees, but who does? But accept it and live with it. The idea is to have your lawyer working for you as ‘preventive medicine’, as insurance against what ‘might happen. Consider the legal fees as your insurance premium, because that’s really what it is. Today, you will pay a fraction of what it will probably cost to try and fix that problem later on if you do not have an honest attorney to guide you.

4. Do not think of buying Costa Rica real estate and only follow the real estate broker’s advice! In Costa Rica, real estate brokers are not licensed in the same way they are in the United States. Some of them are real professionals, but a lot of them are just ‘enthusiastic’ salespeople.

Either buying or selling real estate, you will probably need a broker’s services, but even if your Costa Rica real estate agent is first class, have your attorney on board and have him supervise the process. These are other mistakes ex-pats make in Costa Rica.

5. Do not blindly trust your own countrymen! Just because they have been here more time than you have. I have seen US citizens being conned by US people and, Canadians by Canadians and so forth. Be careful! There are a whole lot of strange people in this country, some of them fleeing from the FBI, Interpol, ex-wives, and even from mental institutions.

6. Gentlemen! Please remember that you do not, I repeat, do NOT need to marry the first beautiful ‘Tica’ (Costa Rican woman) that you meet!

7. “Old Mac Donald had a farm“: And he lost it because he never took care of it. This is a common story in Costa Rica. Again, please remember that our legal system is different.

8. South of the Border…

I am well aware not everybody here wears a big Mexican ‘sombrero’ and has a big bushy mustache. Not all the ladies are named “Juanita Bonita’. South of the Río Grande. They all come from México, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panamá, Colombia, and Perú, All of them are different countries, with different histories, different people, and different laws.

9. “Easy comes easy goes.” I will not even waste your time on this matter. If it sounds too good to be true, then yes! It probably is too good to be true. Nobody on this earth can give you 45% per annum in a legitimate investment.

10. There is ‘risk’ even with legitimate well-known and established private banks. Right now I am trying to help a client who deposited a large amount of money in CDs, in one local bank.

11. If you really want to live in Costa Rica then, please live IN Costa Rica! It was the year 335 B.C. Alexander the Great faced one of his greatest battles. When his army reached the Phoenician coasts, he realized their enemies outnumbered them by 3 to 1.

Do you know how he managed to win the battle? Quite simple! He ordered his ships to be burnt… While the ships were on fire and sinking on the ocean, he spoke to his army and told them the only way to go back home was on their enemy’s ships. It was that or else.

If you really want to become a resident of Costa Rica, you may have to burn your ships.

Tips Avoiding Scams

Traveling to Costa Rica? Beware! Costa Rica Scam Alert:

Scam 3Tips Avoiding Scams In Costa Rica we here at Cody L Gear and Associates know you work hard for your money. Moreover, that is why I want to provide you with a Costa Rica Scam Alert. Thus, I am offering some tips to help you avoid being scammed in Costa Rica or at home.
Most importantly, we have learned that various solicitations have appeared on Craigslist and other social networking sites. These sites encourage consumers to deposit escrow funds to secure an interest in property located in Costa Rica. The scammers want you to send payment through Western Union. They want it payable to what appears to be a legitimate, reputable real estate company with name recognition. (Such as Remax, Century21, etc.…).

Check them out

I have contacted the real estate companies and none of them are associated with this type of solicitation. This is another scam being perpetrated on the unwary and is currently being investigated by law enforcement.

Additionally, we have been made aware of an Advance Fee Scam. This involves the unauthorized use of a brand name such as the one mentioned above.  By using a website and email address utilizing the name of the nationally known real estate company to hold the property.

In an effort to instill confidence in this transaction, the scammer fraudulently claims to have listed the property with the multi-listing service. Using a local Real Estate office in Costa Rica, and arranging for a fraudulent email notification. Thereby, posing as a real estate agent in Costa Rica (and using the real estate company’s logos) to be sent. The scammer disappears once the deposit is received, leaving the prospective buyer defrauded. For your information, there is no regulatory oversight of the Real Estate industry in Costa Rica and there are no licensing requirements. Because of these facts, there is no such thing as a multiple-listing service in Costa Rica

Here are some tips to help you avoid such scams:

KNOW THE PERSON YOU ARE SENDING MONEY TO. If you receive an email from a real estate agent with payment instructions, call the requesting office using the phone number located on the solicitation. Then call us (321-218-9209 or visit http://codygear.com )  to verify if this is a legitimate real estate company operating here in Costa Rica

CRAIGSLIST IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, or provide escrow services.

USE CAUTION WHEN GIVING OUT FINANCIAL AND OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION VIA EMAIL. i.e.(bank account number, credit card number, social security number, etc.).

AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING SERVICES. Keep in mind that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL “GUARANTEE” YOUR TRANSACTION.

These types of scams often claim that an MTCN or confirmation code is needed before withdrawing your money – this is FALSE, once you’ve wired money, it is GONE.

PROPERTY LISTING MAY BE LOCAL, but the landlord/owner is “traveling” or “relocating” and needs you to wire money to them abroad.

Most scams involve one or more of the following:

Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country;
Western Union, Money Gram, cashier’s check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a “guarantee.”
Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consummating the transaction.

Who should you notify about fraud or scam attempts?
Cody L Gear and Associates (321-218-9209 or visit http://codygear.com).

  • • FTC toll-free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357).
    • FTC online complaint form (http://www.ftc.gov).
    • Canadian Phone Busters hotline: 888-495-8501.
    • Internet Fraud Complaint Center (http://www.ic3.gov).
    • Non-emergency number for your local police department.
    • The government agency in your country responsible for dealing with fraud.

Information-Costa Rica Private Investigator Needs

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

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.

Murder in Costa Rica

Family of Five murdered in Costa Rica

law theme, mallet of the judge, justice scale, books, wooden desk

This a follow up on a murder in Costa Rica. It is a story, that frankly, has all too often been repeated here. Not necessarily ending with murder, but the consequences of making poor choices can lead to disastrous results. Although, we receive cases involving infidelity between Americans and Costa Ricans, there is a pattern of conduct that merits discussions. Understanding that everyone deserves someone special in their lives does equate to risking everything on a poor decision. We have been retained to investigate murders in Costa Rica by several ex-pats.

Having investigated numerous murder cases during my law enforcement career I have learned that time is of the essence. The longer the authorities wait to investigate the greater the chance of the case going “cold”.

Destination and Temptation

Costa Rica is a world renowned destination for its climate, natural beauty and its women. The women here are generally attractive, polite and friendly. For the most part American men who come here are in search of a meaningful and lasting relationship. Most have passed the place in life where they are competitive in the dating market in the United States. Most have endured a broken heart either from a divorce or a death. Many are in their fifties or sixties and their choices in the States are limited to similarly situated women, who also have suffered the loneliness associated with such losses. Both bring “baggage” from their previous situation, ranging from abuse to financial trouble.

Murder in Costa Rica

Because of the opportunity to go somewhere and engage in a relationship with a woman that is in her twenties or thirties, who for all outward appearances is a victim of circumstance, is a temptation hard to resist. Most ignore the red flags. It should be obvious that a young attractive woman who is in the sex business is not looking for love. She is looking for financial security. In other words, it is her job. Your wellbeing, physically, emotionally and financially are at risk when you enter a relationship with such a woman.

 

In the case mentioned at the beginning, the news account of the Tico Times, details the background that ultimately led to this tragedy. Like many of the cases we handled, many of them begin with the American meeting a woman in one of the local watering holes that promote and allow this type of business to thrive. It is not uncommon for women to start visiting these places at as young as eighteen. By the time they are twenty four, they have had an unimaginable amount of sexual contact with countless men of whom they know or care little about.

 

Costa Rica Welcomes Back Tourist

Visiting Costa Rica

Are You Visiting Costa Rica? Warning

Costa Rica Welcomes Back TouristAre you Visiting Costa Rica? Warning; violent crime has reached an all-time high here. 2015 saw nearly 600 murders as opposed to 378 deaths in automobile accidents. This beautiful country has been mired with an onslaught of murders that seem uncontrolled. Although the authorities are aware of and alarmed at the increase, they lack the infrastructure to adequately respond. This is not to criticize the government here, but merely a statement of fact.

Costa Rica Not Prepared

Costa Rica’s prison situation is overcrowded, poorly managed, and woefully under-financed. As a result, this has led the government to release back into the population hundreds of convicted criminals. This in combination with the expanding narco-trafficking and influx of Mexican gang members are fueling the homicide rate. The majority of murders involve Costa Ricans.

Murders of Foreign Nationals Rise

However, the indiscriminate murder of foreign nationals is on the rise as well. Recently two Dutch nationals along with their workers were bound and executed at their property in Puntarenas. Other examples include a brutal attack on another Dutch national who operates a small bed and breakfast, where 3 Mexican guests attacked and tried to strangle her to death.

The police here are underfunded and despite their best efforts they struggle to identify and capture violent criminals. Even when they do the chances of the suspect remaining in jail are slim. Costa Rica has no capital punishment for murderers. Prison sentences are short-lived with violent criminals serving only a small portion of their sentences.

My advice is to always be aware of your surroundings and don’t take unnecessary risks while visiting this tropical paradise. Do not take your security for granted. Don’t travel alone if possible. Maintain contact with loved ones back home and tell them about your activities as well as a post on social media such as Facebook or Twitter. For example, post a picture of your hotel and rental car. In the event something does happen, you have left valuable information to follow.

I know that most don’t want to think about bad things that can happen when traveling to a foreign country, but today it is necessary to exercise caution wherever you go.