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

Private Investigator Qualities,  Knowledge:

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

Stealth:

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

Courage:

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

Trustworthiness:

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

Decision Making:

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

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

 

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

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

Recommendations from a Costa Rica Investigator

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

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

The cost 

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

 

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

 

Disclosing to the client

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

 

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

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

Timeline 1-3 days of surveillance.

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

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

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

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

Coming to Costa Rica and “Mickey Finn”

A social media working girl had a lot more on her mind than friendship, Costa Rica investigators say.

A Costa Rica woman woman prowled for victims on the social networks and then arranged for an intimate rendezvous according to Costa Rica Private Investigator.

Our client as well as several others, I imagine took the bait. The woman was a “mickey finn” scammer who quickly spiked the drink of her new male victim and then clean out the apartment or house. The Judicial Investigating Organization (OIJ) suspects she obtained at least $15,000 in jewelry in one case. OIJ suspects the same woman of committing the same crime against another man where she took almost $10,000 in cash. There are many stories similar to this one. Our reason for mentioning this is due to the Costa Rica culture being one that is given to stealing. Some say it’s competition but in my book its stealing.

Costa Rica and “Mickey Finn”

Many who come here in search of establishing a relationship with a women are susceptible to this type of scam. The problem here is that these women are using some type of drug to incapacitate the victim in order to carry out their theft. Many of the men who visit here are older and many have health conditions that places them in peril if they are drugged with the wrong type of medication.  By taking up an ad on a person that is offering an intimate relationship, that no one knows, is like a crap shoot. You may or may not survive it.

News reports that OIJ Agents said they located some of the items when they searched the woman’s home in Desamparados Tuesday. When OIJ agents searched the woman’s home in Desamparados Tuesday, agents said they located some of the items. She faces charges of aggravated robbery and attempted murder.

This is another example in a long line of examples of scammers who prey upon the unsuspecting. More often than not the the victim is an expat. Most victims say they were overcame by sudden drowsiness after taking one or more women to their apartment.

Costa Rica Private Investigator Log;  July 2019

The Costa Rica Private Investigator log for the month of July saw several cases that came to us from all over the United States. Below is a few of the cases we handled in August.

These are a few of the cases we handled for the month of July. If you or if you know someone who need private investigator services in Costa Rica call or visit us at on our blog.

 

Deception happensCosta Rica Private Investigator log for July 3; Domestic case involving a suspected cheating husband who had booked a vacation with his “buddies” in Jaco. Told his wife that they were going to fish for Marlin. Wife suspicious as his trips to Costa Rica were becoming more frequent and she didn’t like some of his “buddies”. Surveillance began at the airport and wound up in Jaco at the Beatle Bar which has been recently remodeled and opened for business again. The group went to the Cochal, a favorite watering hole for partying and shopping for the weekend girlfriend. Sure enough the target wasn’t at the Cochal for more than an hour when he latched onto a stunning professional working girl probably 25 years of age and he was off to the hotel. Whole thing captured on video.

Costa Rica Private Investigator log for July 5;

Bigamy/domestic case where in an American man had married a Colombian woman in the States and was going through a nasty divorce. He knew she had spent time in Costa Rica and wanted her background checked. A due diligence check revealed that the Colombian was married to a Costa Rica National. She had been married to him for over eight years and was married to the Costa Rica National at the time she married the American.

Costa Rica Private Investigator log for July 9;

Land Fraud case involving a fraud in the inducement from a developer that collected money from investors on a beachfront condominium development in Coco (Northwest Costa Rica). Developer took money from investor after convincing investor that his money was going for an unimpeded ocean view from the 5th floor of a 10 floor condominium in Coco. Due diligence revealed that no such development had been approved on a one story model. In Costa Rica all developments must have licenses and be approved by the government. Investors money gone but we were able to get a lien on the property in order for the investor to recapture from his loss.

Costa Rica Private Investigator log for July 17;

Lottery scam reported by an elderly woman in Florida. This lady is 87 years old and was contacted by someone purporting to be an agent with the United States Department of Consumer Affairs. (No such organization) The agent told her she had won 2nd prize in a lottery and that in order for her to collect her check of $987,000 she needed to send $5,000 to Jose Gonzalez via Western Union in Costa Rica to cover the cost and expenses in transferring the winnings to her. He gave her a telephone number with a 305 exchange and when she called it a person answered the phone “United States Department of Consumer Affairs, how may help you”. She asked for the agent was transferred to the same person who called her. He assured her this was a legit. She sent the $5,000 and another $87,000 over a three month period. This is a SCAM. If you win the lottery no one will ever call you! I referred this nice lady to the U.S. Postal service who has agents in the United States who are working with the Costa Rica authorities to bust these miserable and despicable scammers.

These are a few of the cases we handled for the month of July. If you or if you know someone who need private investigator services in Costa Rica call or visit us at our blog.

Are you having doubts about what you are being told? Do you have that gut feeling that something is not right? Call us on WhatsApp for a free consultation.

Dealing with a Cheating Spouse in Costa Rica

I have many clients that ask me what do I do when dealing with a cheating spouse in Costa Rica? Have you just recently learned or recently become suspicious  that your spouse is or has been cheating on you? If you have concrete proof, you may want to confront him or her right away. Of course, it is your decision to do so, but there are a few important points that you will want to take into consideration first. After all, calling out a cheating spouse is a major step, but is it one that you are ready to take? Has he all of a sudden take a real interest in travelling to Costa Rica alone? Is he being untruthful with you as to his destinations, hotel and transportation?  All of these are signs of infidelity which you need answers.

When looking to confront a cheating spouse, it is important to know that you can do so at just about any point in time. If you are ready to confront your spouse now, go ahead and do so. If you would prefer to wait, like until you are ready to start divorce proceedings, be sure to wait. Although it may be difficult to stand the sight of your significant other, it is important to proceed with caution. It is always best to have proof in the form of a photo or video to show them in the event of denial. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words.

One of the best times to confront your spouse is when you have concrete proof. Did you seem them cheating? Were they having \*\*\* or just out to dinner? What about documentation? Do you have pictures or video of your spouse having inappropriate actions with another? Do you have credit card receipts or cell phone bills that point towards an affair? If you do, you may be ready to confront your spouse. Unfortunately, too many men and women make the mistake of jumping the gun.

Although there is a good chance that you may choose to forgive your cheating spouse, you may also wish to terminate the relationship. Until you are ready to start divorce proceedings, it is a wise idea to not say anything. Many men and women feel comfort and peace of mind when they are first able to get their life in order before they spring a divorce on their husband or wife.

Another sign that you may be ready to confront your cheating spouse is if you are ready to leave the home if you have to. With that being said, it is important to not leave in certain circumstances. Is the home in your name? Do you help to pay the bills or do you pay most of them? Do you have children? If so, you may want to refrain from uprooting your whole life. Instead, make your cheating spouse leave. Just know that they may refuse to do so right away.

As previously stated, it is a wise idea to get your affairs in order before confronting a cheating spouse and asking them for a divorce. You will want to place a good focus on your finances. Are you in good financial standing? Does most of your money belong to your spouse or is it in their control? If so, you may want to wait. Unless you have a good and secure network of friends and family members, it is important to make sure that you can financially survive on your own, especially if you have children.

The best time to confront a cheating spouse is when you know it is safe to do so. Does your husband or wife have violent tendencies? If so, be sure to keep the kids away. Next, consider confronting them in public or have a trusted friend, relative, or the police on hand. For your safety, never confront a cheating spouse who has been drinking or who has used drugs. This is likely to increase the chance of violence. Confronting your spouse and ending your relationship should be important to you, but please don’t put yourself at risk.

Since there are no guarantees that cheating could be going on, even with the above mentioned signs present, additional steps should be taken. These steps can and should include monitoring cell phone calls, viewing the cell phone bill, or hiring a private investigator. Never confront your husband or wife without the proper proof. Be sure to get solid evidence of cheating, otherwise you could be creating a whole new problem in your relationship.

If you’ve had to go get a new passport after losing your passport in Costa Rica, you know what a challenge it is. Indeed, many have actually discovered it’s no more the simplest thing to prove who you are. If you’re a first-timer, you need to appear in person with a birth certificate and at least one government-issued ID. If you lose your passport while taking a trip abroad, you have to show up at an embassy or consulate. Worse yet, as highlighted by the current news, your key could have a lot of value to bad guys.

This is because they are so difficult to obtain and increasingly tough to counterfeit. The Wall Street Journal reports that Interpol has  40 million lost or stolen passports in its database already. Subsequently, but those travelers boarded planes 1 billion times in 2013 without their keys being checked against that database).

So what can you do to keep your key safe both before and after you take a trip?

If you must replace your passport, you should submit your present ticket to allow the State Division to cancel it. But while it’s appealing to merely stick a couple of stamps on it and throw it in the closest mailbox, do not! Send it by means of signed-up mail with a return receipt requested so that the Post Office keeps a much better eye on it and you know that it showed up– since if it goes walkabout, you have to go back to square one.

Do not Take It With You If You Don’t Need to

If you have another form of government-issued ID, there’s no need to be lugging around a ticket (and, if you do not, all states concerned low-priced non-driver ID cards, which are worth getting for precisely this reason). Purses get taken, wallets get lifted and IDs get left behind so often that it’s worth a delay in line at the DMV for an alternate ID.

Shop It Safely

Though it’s appealing, don’t save your ticket in your underwear drawer, your desktop organizer, or your precious jewelry box– all locations that are the first look for any would-be burglar or identification burglar. Establishment it someplace others will not believe to look or can’t quickly remove– like a safe. Your ID is valuable: treat it that way.

Keep a Photocopy

If you lose your passport abroad, you will need a photocopy (or a scanned copy) of the initial in order to make your method house. Shop the document like you would the initial: in a safe, secured area that you can access and others can not. If you’re working with an electronic document, see to it it’s an encrypted file or on an encrypted drive.

Report Its Loss Promptly

If you presume your key is swiped or lost, particularly if you’re currently abroad, don’t take an extra day to retrace your steps: report it quickly. The worst thing you can do is wait and wish it shows up– only to discover that whoever made off with it likewise going out of town on it.

It has actually ended up being so widespread for individuals to misplace credit cards and driver’s licenses (or have them stolen) that companies and even states have actually made them reasonably simple to cancel and replace. But when it concerns super-IDs like keys, birth certificates as well as Social Security cards, the procedures are long and challenging since they develop who you are as best the governments can– and because they want you to take additional care not to lose them in the first place.

Losing a super-ID like a ticket can make you susceptible to identification burglary. It is essential after losing an ID like this that you closely monitor your bank accounts and credit to ensure you do not end up being a sufferer. You can monitor your credit totally free using the Credit Report Card, a free device offered by my company that updates 2 of your credit ratings monthly. Any major, unexpected changes in your scores might signal identity theft and you need to pull complimentary copies of your credit reports to make certain your identification is safe.

What about Costa Rica’s Safety?

Concerns about Costa Rica’s safety are among those thinking about relocating to Costa Rica. Recent murders of American citizens, Kurt Hergis in La Fortuna in February and Stephen Rutkiewicz in Guanacaste in December have served as an impetus for the rise in concern. Unbiased responses can be challenging. Many who contribute information from the English-speaking community, slant their views. Because they have a vested interest in bringing in ex-pats who are liquid and looking to invest in Costa Rica. You need to exercise caution when listening to a real estate agent or relocation adviser.

According to recent statistics, Costa Rica is less violent than its neighboring countries in Central America. This is in comparison to the United States which has a murder rate (of 4.7 per 10,000). In Canada, the rate is even lower (1.6 per 10,000). The statistics have been compiled globally by the United Nations in 2012.

Costa Rica Safety and Crime

Costa Ricans have an unrealistic view of relative criminal activity as compared to the United States. This is the result of the periodic mass shooting in the United States has the tendency to dominate world news. Physical violence in the United States for the most part is focused in urban city centers, such as Detroit. (54.6 murders per 100,000) or Baltimore (34.9 murders per 100,000). Total rates for murder continue to be low in the United States since it is a nation of 313 million individuals.

Costa Rica, with 4.8 million people is by per capita more dangerous than the United States. Some say that much of the physical violence is a direct result of the drug trade that exists between South and Central America and the United States. For example, neighboring Honduras (91.6 murders per 10,000) and El Salvador (69.2 murders per 10,000) are the two most violent nations in the world. The Security    Ministry furthered this opinion by reporting that immigrants and others that are difficult to account for contributing significantly to the violence in Costa Rica.

Expats tend to notice the violence as it affects their own peer group or comes into their community. There is relatively small English language coverage of the shootings and murders that take place in southern San Jose or the Caribbean coast. Objectively, the drug-related violence in these areas is the kind of thing that is not likely to affect a tourist or ex-pat directly. However, violence has a tendency to eventually cross borders and social divisions. Thus violence in places like Limon will eventually impact everyone who lives in Costa Rica.

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.

The difference

 

Costa Rica Private Investigators are significantly different from their American counterparts. For international investigations, i.e., those in Costa Rica are unique from those in the United States. Private investigations in the United States differ from those in Costa Rica. Since I have been here for over 15 years I know the differences. You will want to keep in mind that Costa Rica is still a third-world country. If you don’t you may be throwing your money away.

 

Comparison

When you want to hire a private investigator here, you need to understand it is different that the States. Commercial directories that include a lot of information about people and businesses in the United States are available. You can also find cross-reference directory sites that identify and associate people and phone numbers. This is not the case in Costa Rica.

Database and public records

You will note, Costa Rica Private Investigators are significantly different due to the accessibility to information. The availability of data sources is thorough making the job of a private investigator in the U.S. simple in comparison to a Costa Rica private investigator. I know that is outside the scope of this blog to explain all of the differences. Depending on which region is included, Costa Rica private investigators can not access all records. Absent a lawsuit we can access civil claim records unless they have a valid reason or a source in the government in Costa Rica.

Criminal records

When it comes to criminal records, there is no reliable database that is accessible in Costa Rica.  Rather, Costa Rica private investigators must have reliable law-enforcement sources to obtain information on criminal records.  Even then it may require the services of a Costa Rica attorney to get the information. Additionally, having resources to get in touch with various governmental agencies in possession of said records is a must. There could be 3 or 4 governmental agencies with criminal and/or civil record information.

Getting the information

Investigations in Costa Rica are normally more challenging than those in the United States. The privacy laws in Costa Rica in some circumstances are stricter when compared to personal privacy regulations within the U.S. This is often the case when it pertains to criminal record checks. Corporate records in Costa Rica are incomplete. Corporate registrations in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries are entirely different regarding needs and details obtained throughout a search of records. Business records in Costa Rica are vague. Consequently, there have been cases where people’s information is not recorded properly.

Corruption

Corruption is a major issue in Costa Rica regarding private investigators and the information they can obtain. It is necessary that when an agency, corporate body, or individual decides to utilize a Costa Rica private investigator you need to vet. I also know, relying on their results, to use in your case a straightforward investigator must be retained. If you do not, the Costa Rica private investigator involved may be influenced by outside influences.

Conclusion

I know, most international private investigators know they can frequently obtain money from both their client and the subject of their investigation. You need to be cautious when choosing a Costa Rica private investigator because of the potential for corruption. I recommend you vet thoroughly a private investigator and choose the one that feels the most comfortable and knowledgeable to you. For information on this subject please visit our website, www.codygear.com, or call us toll-free at 321-218-9209.

 

The U.S.- Costa Rica Real Estate Fraud Increasing

The police (OIJ) busted a real estate closing Monday and arrested five men suspected of Costa Rica Real Estate Fraud. The arrests took place at the closing agent’s office in Guadalupe. I have learned from news sources, that the agents uncovered an elaborate scheme. Prior to the fraud completion police notified the real owners. As a result the  police were able to thart the fraud.

They are incredibly lucky.

What we know

According to news sources, the unusual thing was that the agents were able to move in at the closing. OIJ spokesperson said they received an anonymous tip, The tip was last week, and enabled OIJ to contact the real owner of the property who said that his land was not for sale. Of those arrested one is 82, and the other suspects are 35 to 52, according to OIJ. OIJ did not reveal the names of the suspects. The property in question is in Tres Ríos in the Cartago area.

Authorities moved swiftly

OIJ acted quickly after obtaining the tip and was successful in thwarting the fraud. Being a Certified Fraud Examiner, I know that most of these types of real estate fraud are not detected until sometime after the closing. By being proactive the OIJ and its agents should be applauded for detecting and preventing this fraud. As in the United States, typically real estate fraud cases have low priority and insufficient resources to detect, apprehend and prosecute such cases. If you are considering buying real estate in Costa Rica, call us! We know the ends and outs of Costa Rica Real Estate Fraud.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about or in the middle of a real estate deal here, stop and call us. I recommend this and compare it to a second opinion from a doctor.