What has Happened in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Recent Changes

Many of the phone calls I am getting now have one overriding theme. In my absence what has happened in Costa Rica? Certainly if you have an interest in Costa Rica you have probably have read things that have occurred and the Government response. Many have a loved ones here and due to the distance and travel restrictions have endured months of no physical contact. The changes have had minimal impact currently. Everything seems to be headed back to normalcy. But knowing the government past actions nothing is certain.

Other things affected by the

Others have real property here and have had to rely on other people to oversee and protect their property during their absence. What has happened in Costa Rica as a result of this long term shutdown, will take years to analyze. Others need to check on their tax status as there have been changes in the law that affect them. Whatever the case may be, it will be in your interest to consider the things we know.

The most common inquiry we get is about personal relationships that have been separated for a long time. Since the pandemic, travel has been severely hindered, making it impossible to visit Costa Rica. But, before we get into that, there are some things you need to know prior to coming. Currently the country is in turmoil due to the government passing new taxes. This has resulted in major civil unrest and protest. Tico’s protest by blocking traffic, so when you arrive and are stuck in traffic for hours this is the reason. For the most part it has been relatively docile.

However, there have been more instances of violence, especially in more impoverished areas of San Jose. Prudence would be learning the situation in the area you are attempting to visit. If your girlfriend lives in Desamparadas for example, you may want to meet her elsewhere until the civil unrest diminishes or subsides.

How about my Costa Rica Girlfriend

Now for your girlfriend. Many of the women who have been impacted by this pandemic are trying to survive. Unlike the United States, the government here has done nothing as far as pandemic relief for its people. Most are without jobs and are barely making it, Currently Costa Rica has the highest level of poverty in their history. This make people who are desperate for money do things that they may not have done in the past. For the most part they have done without since the pandemic began.

Don’t be surprised that your special friend is, for all practical purposes, destitute. They need basics and have suffered for a long time. Using good judgment and evaluating the situation will help you help them the most. As far as their activities during this time being openly and freely discussed. I doubt seriously that you will learn much. During the “shutdown” almost all of the watering holes and beaches have been closed. Travel was restricted to specific hours and strictly enforced. Most night time travel was banned.

Viewing the economic circumstances as objectively as I can, I don’t expect the country will recover any time soon. It may take years to get back to a “normal” level. Given the government’s lack of preparation and willingness to help it’s people it may never recover.

 

Legal

Getting Things Done in Costa Rica

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Getting things Done in Costa Rica

Why is it so hard to accomplish things in Costa Rica? I’ve encountered this and I have a better understanding of the reason. Although Costa Rica is third-world, as you can see with businesses such as Starbucks and PF Chang’s, it is amazing how much they have progressed in terms of service and creativity. You should keep in mind that the government employs most people here. This may be one reason why you’ve found getting things done an uphill battle.

Why is it so hard to accomplish things in Costa Rica? I know there are many reasons why getting things done sometimes takes longer than usual, but sometimes can be accomplished faster than expected.  Only with paying a “propina” (tip) to the bureaucrat will make it happen faster.

What makes getting things done in Costa Rica so difficult?

Driving around the streets of San Jose is a chaotic experience. Roads are in disarray with high traffic and gridlock, creating a frustration for drivers. The government has failed to privatise road management and infrastructure development effectively, leading to this problem plaguing Costa Rica’s transportation system.

For the country, it means reduced productivity and higher costs through importing goods or products produced elsewhere. There are several business opportunities within the ICT sector that will enable private investors to take advantage of the opportunity in building new products that will help alleviate this problem and do so for cost-effectively.

Example of getting things done in Costa Rica

Let me give you an example. You want to find the owner of a piece of property. In the US, it is relatively easy to do. Simply visit your county tax office or property appraiser and within ten minutes you have all the information you need. But in Costa Rica, the process is much more complex. You mail in a request for ownership and once it’s approved (or denied) you can then file for an official transfer of ownership.

The registry holds public records – police reports, court records, and more. It serves as a one-stop shop to you the information you need — but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to use. Online searches are often difficult, and in person visits are time consuming and inefficient.

The time you spend waiting for a record is an opportunity wasted. You should be able to get the information you need with ease and on your own schedule.

After all that there is more to getting things done

Once the property has been identified, determining the owner is the next obstacle that has to be overcome. If the property is owned by anyone other than a Costa Rica National, it will be in the form of a S.A. (Sociedad Anonomia). This S.A. similar  to a Nevada Corporation in the States, where the individual owner is not listed. For years, the Costa Rica Government has required this as a vehicle to purchase real property. Thereby promoting and fostering all manner of corrupt activities.

If you want something done and done as quickly as possible, you need to retain professionals who are here and know the system and how it works. Even with such help it can take time as nothing seems to move here with speed, everything is, “manana”. If you choose to do it your self, remember that getting things done in Costa Rica is time consuming and slow. It will try your patience and your wallet.

 

Prep for surveillance

Conducting Surveillance in Costa Rica

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

 

What is necessary

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

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

Case Review

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

Surveillance Targets

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

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

Costa Rica and “Mickey Finn”

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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.

Dealing with a Cheating Spouse in Costa Rica

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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.

Playa Samara

Costa Rica Accidental and Violent Deaths

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Accidental and violent deaths

Playa Samara

Playa Samara

According to the Costa Rica Red Cross, this December has seen the highest number of Costa Rica accidental and violent deaths in over six years.  This December has witnessed 105 violent or accidental deaths, in addition to 350 persons seriously injured by violence or accidents. These risks are seldom publicized to tourists when traveling here.

The Red Cross broke down the death and injuries to a total of 37 people killed this month as the result of traffic accidents, while another 155 suffered serious injuries. Between December 1st and December 30th, 24 people were killed with firearms, knives, or sharp weapons, while another 69 remain in serious or critical condition.

Water is one of the major sources of deaths

A total of 10 people have been killed in water-related accidents at beaches, rivers, or lakes – three of them minors. The fact is that the government doesn’t want to publicize Costa Rica accidental and violent deaths.

It is always advisable to exercise caution when traveling in Costa Rica. The roadway system is inadequate for the heavy traffic that presents itself on a daily basis. The Pacific Ocean is known for its deadly run-outs which claim lives every year. The other violent deaths are primarily associated with the local population. However, you should avoid areas that by their very appearance suggest danger.

Almost all of the public beaches here have no lifeguards and no warning signs. I investigated the deaths and learned the government has done nothing for safety.  Tragically, 8 souls were lost at one time at Playa Seca which is north of Quepos. The victims were part of a high school exploration trip. When they arrived 6 teenagers and 2 chaperones perished in a rip current. As a result of the bad publicity, the Costa Rica government posted signs warning of a rip current which was torn down by locals.

Most who visit here take for granted that emergency services are readily available. They are not and response time for first responders can vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Most of the hospitals outside the greater San Jose area are not always staffed with doctors.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself prior to coming in order to plan your trip with safety in mind. The visitor’s bureau does not promote publicity about Costa Rica Accidental and violent deaths.

Protect your Costa Rica Private Property

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Costa Rica Property Fraud Alert Service

As an absentee owner, it is important to be aware of any activity concerning your property in Costa Rica. You need to protect your Costa Rica private property. The Private Property Registry (PPR) is a valuable resource that can keep you informed and help prevent fraud. Currently, the PPR protects over 15,000 properties in Costa Rica. If you are an absentee owner this service will protect your Costa Rica Private property. We are here to assist you to secure your property.

Each night, the PPR robot downloads data from the National Registry’s database. They keep the information in an encrypted file. Robots scan the encrypted files that are questionable. Robots analyze the data and compare it to yesterday’s results. Analyzed each entry line by line and flag any entry that needs further analysis. Sending the analyzed data to the respective lawyer for review.

The National Registry, following procedures required by law, update the records. One requirement is the record holder appear in person.  Alternatively, an authorized designee with the appropriate documents justifying why a change has been rsuequested. Thus protecting businesses from fraudulent claims and false allegations. Strict rules serve the public interest as these would damage their reputation and credibility. 

Subsequently, a bureaucrat will determine if they are valid and if any errors are in the descriptions or clauses. Discrepancies flaged for further review by the respective agents. Further inquiry reveals that this service is affordable. Loss prevention is always better. Property needing to be recovered is always more challenging and costly.

Summarily, the cost of the PPR is negligible compared to the potential loss you could suffer. Checking the cost of PPR is less than $200 per year. PPR offers a premium rate for additional services. I would recommend contacting them directly.

Husband Cheating on you in Costa Rica?

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Is your husband cheating on you in Costa Rica? Don’t let him get away with it. Cheating is common in Costa Rica and men always leave a trial. At Cody Gear & Associates, we have a list of common signs of cheating spouses in Costa Rica.

You owe it to yourself to find out and get proof if your husband meets one or more of the signs of cheating. Be cautious of websites that connect men with young Latin women in Costa Rica. Verify your partner isn’t advertising or communicating with sex tour guides on these sites.

Cheating men are more likely to cheat when they’re out of town, away from familiar surroundings that could expose them. Men are more likely to cheat when out of town, away from familiar surroundings that could reveal them. So, setting a trap could be an easy method for catching a cheater. All of the signs are under your nose, pay attention and plan.

Preplan and think

Be guarded not to let him suspect anything before his “fishing trip” to Costa Rica. Make him feel that your relationship is fine. Show him that his trip without you is not a problem. This sets the trap. Be prepared for the outcome. Usually, the first sign you will notice is the increased level of communication between him and his buddies about the upcoming adventure. You’ll notice him chuckling at text messages or hear him have conversations with his friends with limited content. Usually responding by “yes I’m looking forward to that” or “can I call you back/”. The point is you will notice that his conversations with his buddies all of a sudden have become vague and ambiguous.

Pay attention

The second thing you may notice is his lack of specificity as to the itinerary once they arrive at the San Jose International Airport. Lack of telephone information or computer access is common among men coming here to look for women. However, you should encourage him to give you as much information as possible in case of an emergency. After all, he is traveling to a third-world country and you are concerned about his safety.

Indicators

The third thing and not necessarily in this order, is the purchase of new clothes, especially clothes for going out after fishing. Pay attention to his purchases of clothes as well as colognes and other things he customarily does not use in around you.

Fourthly, be on the alert for any unusual phone calls or text messages from international calls with the country code of “506”. For your information, there are two distinct sets of numbers for telephones in Costa Rica. Those beginning with “2” are landlines, and those beginning with “8” are cell phones. If you see one of these by chance take note of it as it will aid any subsequent surveillance. This is particularly true if this is not the first time your husband has come to Costa Rica.

Usually, men that are married check in with their wives each day during the visit. Usually, this check-in comes around the same time every day and is usually followed by, “we are going out to eat and gamble.” Anywhere they go they will be confronted by young attractive and available Latin women asking them if they want companionship. This starts innocently enough with the buying of drinks then one thing leads to the other and the woman will ask him if he wants sex.

It has been my experience that the amount of alcohol consumed is commensurate with the amount of resistance a man will muster to remain loyal to his wife and family. Of course, the women here are in business and will move on if he says no or otherwise refuses to pay the going price.

We have years of experience in these matters and are considered the experts in capturing cheaters in Costa Rica. For more information call 321-218-9209.

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

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