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.

Avoid Scams of Dating Services

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Avoid Scams of Dating Services

To protect yourself against scammers and marriage fraud, read my below article and discover how you to avoid it. This is my thoughts how to avoid scams of dating services.I know that online dating can be a great way to meet new people, However, it’s also ripe with opportunity for scammers. I recommend awareness of the scams out there and taking steps to avoid them. As a result you can have a more positive online dating experience.This guide will teach you how to spot and avoid scams of dating scams that are online. I will cover everything from how to identify a scammer to how to protect your personal information. We’ll also give you some tips on how to stay safe while online dating. Scamming isn’t the only thing you have to worry about in online dating.

Don’t accept the first date offered.

Scamming isn’t the only thing you have to worry about in online dating. Here are some tips to help you have a relatively safe online dating experience.Online dating sites can be a little overwhelming. I read an article by Megan Ellis succinctly outlined the dangers in her article. With so many people to meet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of dating someone off of a profile, without first meeting them in person. Before you commit, ask yourself if you’re really interested. If you are, schedule a second (or third, or fourth) date.

Pay attention to your gut feeling.

Just because someone says they love the band you like, or, have the same politics as you doesn’t mean they’re being honest. If someone doesn’t seem right, don’t go out with them.

Be wary of long-distance relationships.

So, how do I Avoid Scams of Dating Services. If you’re in a long-distance relationship and want to meet your new love in person, don’t fall for the trap of online dating. Using the Internet to communicate will only make the relationship harder to maintain. If you don’t want to move in with your new love, you could be setting yourself up for heartache.

Don’t date someone you met on a dating website, unless you’re really sure it’s a safe, reputable site.

If you’ve met someone on a dating website and want to date them, make sure you research the site and check out reviews of it before you get involved. Scammers can use fake profiles to cheat people out of money, so make sure you meet in person at least once before you commit.

Be wary of people who want to buy you gifts or send you money.

This is another red flag and will help avoid scams of dating services. If you meet someone who offers you money, you should be wary. Don’t think of them as a romantic suitor and don’t get too cozy with them. If they ask you for money, you should be wary.

Don’t share too much personal information.

When you sign up for a dating site or app, be sure to keep your personal information private. Don’t share your address, phone number, or other personal information.

If you do give out this information, you’ll need to be careful. Scammers can use your information to steal your identity, so be sure to change your login information frequently.

Be careful when you’re talking on the phone.

If you’re talking on the phone with someone you just met or someone who just wants to get to know you better, be sure to meet in person. Don’t make any decisions over the phone. If you need to do something, do it in person and if you need to make a quick decision, ask the person to explain ASAP.

Always send a message to the person’s phone, not their email.

Many scammers use fake email addresses to scam people. If you receive an email from someone you just met, be wary. Ask for phone numbers and meeting times and check them out before you commit.

Don’t give out your phone number to someone you just met.

If someone you just met wants to chat on a dating app, don’t give them your phone number. Never, ever give out your personal information.

Be careful when you meet in person.

 

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.

Playa Samara

Costa Rica Travel Tips

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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

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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.

Facebook Scam

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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

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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

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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 https://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 https://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.

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

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