Costa Rica Squatters: Just when it seemed that investing in property in Costa Rica was safe, today saw the expropriation of property occupied by Costa Rica squatters. After a lengthy legal 2-year battle, a group of Costa Rican squatters expropriates land from owners. Squatters (“Campesinos”) have managed to take approximately 1050 acres from Dutch investors after a lengthy 2-year court battle.

April 2011 saw 316 families enter the farm in Medio Queso de Los Chiles. Located in Costa Rica’s central Northern Zone, near the border of Nicaragua. I know, the land belongs to a group of  investors, who rented the property to Costa Rica farmers. Consequntly, the land grab continues. If you have property here especially now, and you are an absentee owner beware you are at risk.

What is a squatter?

In the US, a squatter is any person who has moved onto property without permission of the owner. Commonly known as adverse possession.  Similarly, Costa Rica squatters move onto the property. Your intervention can stop the squatters building and protect yourself. I know the land is owned by a group of Dutch investors, who rented the property to a Costa Rican farmer. The farmer has been using the land to grow crops for the past few years, but the investors have decided to sell the land to a new buyer.

The farmer is worried he will lose his land and his livelihood if the new buyer decides to evict him. Shifting buildings and dwellings and claiming the land as their own. The squatters claim the owners were not producing on the land.  This is despite the declaration by the Costa Rican that had leased the land. Subsequently, asserting that he had made over $2 million in improvements to the agriculture area since the time he leased it.

The conflict grew over the next two years,  with the Costa Rica squatters being evicted numerous times by the police.  On several occasions, the attempts to evict the squatters turned violent.  The squatters alleged in addition to destroying their homes on several occasions the owners hired men to destroy farm animals. Moreover the men in doing so their belongings as well.

What happened next?

The squatters frequently returned to the property after being evicted, sometimes within hours of the eviction, and begin rebuilding. The dispute made Costa Rica national headlines last year when a secret audio recording of a police officer instructing privately hired guards to “shoot to kill” was made public.

The government agency that oversees such disputes, known as the Rural Development Institute (INDER) issued resolution 032-2013 this week, which orders the land to be expropriated and given to the squatters.

Over the years, the squatters have drawn support from many Costa Ricans, including on social networks. The local daily, newspapers heralded the decision by INDER to expropriate the property. One paper *Dario” declared,  “This agreement is a triumph for rural families of that community”. “The successful expropriation sets a precedent for struggling “Campesinos” (squatters) of the country. It shows that INDER is legally qualified to expropriate and distribute land to “Campesinos” who need it,” the newspaper continued.

Adverse possession in the US

Unlike the United States which has statutes in all states covering adverse possession, Costa Rica has none. Costa Rica law provides that unimproved agricultural land can be occupied by squatters. Furthermore, once they erect a structure they can obtain title to the land. There is no time restriction, thus the land once occupied by the squatter takes a court action to remove. The United States adverse possession laws give time limits with most requiring seven years of occupancy openly and notoriously prior to the squatter obtaining title.

This decision will have a chilling effect on foreign land investors. Gear said that any investor contemplating investing in unimproved land in Costa Rica should seek the services of a licensed attorney in Costa Rica prior to buying such land.

 

Some things to know travelling to Costa Rica

 

Before traveling outside your native country to another country you should prepare yourself. There are things to know travelling to Costa Rica to avoid unpleasant consequences.  Learning about the country before you go can prevent common problems or confusion.  Cultures vary throughout the world and sometimes a simple misunderstanding can become a big deal.  Learning about the basic life, culture and laws of a country you are traveling to can help you to be prepared and have an enjoyable vacation.

The basic things you need to know include how to get around, business hours and various other points.  Once you get to Costa Rica you need to know how to get around from place to place, especially if you are not within walking distance of your destination.

How do I get around?

Buses are the main form of transportation.  It is the most cost efficient and easiest way to get around.  Do be aware that the buses in Costa Rica are small and sometimes cramped.  You will not be able to take along luggage and if you need a lot of legroom you will be in trouble.  Another form of transportation is a rental car.  They are quite more expensive and you need to have insurance that will cover the rental car in case of an accident.  Also know that most rental cars are standards, so if you do not know how to drive one you may be out of luck.

Business hours in Costa Rica are much like that in the United States.  Typically they run from 8 or 9 AM to 3 or 5 PM.  Everyday a lunch break takes place between noon and 2PM.  Also on Sundays most places will be closed.  Costa Rica runs on Central Standard time, which means some of those traveling from the US may get to avoid jet lag all together.  The healthcare system in Costa Rica is very advanced.  They have an excellent system that offers up-to-date medical care in modern hospitals.  You can most often find doctors that speak English as well.  These basic facts will help you to get used to life in Costa Rica, but there are some more things you should get to know.

What are the things I need to know?

In Costa Rica there are some legal things you need to know.  If you are renting a car be aware that Costa Rica is a good place to have an accident.  Drivers here rank low for auto accident rates. The speed limits are posted either on signs or painted on the pavement and you should always be aware of them. The speed limits range from 45 to 55 MPH in general.   Costa Rica laws require that all luggage is screened through customs and declarations must be filled out for certain items like food and anything valuable.  Alcohol is legal for those over the age of eighteen.  Also be aware that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica for those over eighteen. These helpful hints about legal do’s and don’ts will help you avoid problems while in Costa Rica.

Other things to note

It is always nice to know about little things that are often overlooked on travel websites or in brochures.  The water heaters in hotels in Costa Rica are not like those in the United States.  You will find they are mostly plastic tubes with an electrical gadget in the nozzle.  This means hot water may not always be hot.  The busiest time in Costa Rica is during what is called the high season.  The high season is between December and May.  You may find that getting reservations can be difficult during this time.  You usually do not have to tip while out in Costa Rica.  A 10% tip is added to your bill. Another good thing to know is that the sewer systems can handle toilet paper unlike those in other countries.

The water system in Costa Rica is treated and safe to drink. The electricity in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States.  They do not use the grounding prong in some locations, so be aware of the need for adapters for this reason.  Dancing is big in Costa Rica and you can find dance clubs all over.  Laundry mats are not common in Costa Rica.  Most people send their laundry out to be washed. Some vacation rentals offer a washer/dryer as an amenity.  These helpful little hints can help you get through your vacation without a mishap.

Costa Rica is a lovely, peaceful country.  There is a lot to see and do.  Once you have decided on Costa Rica get to know a little more about the country so you can enjoy everything it has to offer.

Five Mistakes to Avoid in Costa Rica

As a tenured professional private investigator in Costa Rica, I have witnessed the unnecessary loss of money and emotions. Therefore, I have prepared a list of five mistakes to avoid in Costa Rica.

The law is an amazing preventive, but can also be a devastating curative medicine.  So, please let me try and help you avoid mistakes made by those who came to Costa Rica before you, and try and keep you out of ‘hot water.’

1. Do not do anything you would not do in your own hometown: Many foreigners seem to believe they can outsmart the system when they come to a less developed country. Perhaps. the kind manner most Costa Ricans behave with ex-pats. Which in turning them into wishful thinkers. Always bear in mind that the legal system in Costa Rica is Napoleonic, not Common Law. Consequently, things are handled very differently than in the US or Canada.

Because of that, the best place to begin your investment plan is in an attorney’s office. It is best not to try the Do it yourself method! Some people, in trying to save some dollars in legal fees, avoid finding a good attorney. Subsequently, their issue is not resolved and they lack guidance through their problems. Do not do that! Do your homework. Find an attorney you feel comfortable with and stay with him for as long as he does a good job.

2. Do not rush into the decision of hiring an attorney.

If you are thinking of investing in Costa Rica; like it or not 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 a kind of 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.

3. Do not think of buying Costa Rica real estate and only follow the real estate broker’s advice!

In Costa Ricareal 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. Many more are con people trying to make a quick dollar.

In either buying or selling real estate, you will probably have a need for a broker’s services. But if your Costa Rica real estate agent is first class, have your attorney on board to supervise the process. Remember no real estate can be transferred here without a Notary. All Notaries here must be licensed Costa Rican Attorneys.  Never use the Notary or attorney of the buyer.  This is not only a conflict of interest, it’s a sure way to fall victim to fraud.

4. 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.

5. Gentlemen! Please remember that you do not, I repeat, do NOT need to marry the first beautiful ‘Tica’ (Costa Rican woman) that you meet! You will find yourself in the middle of the biggest financial and emotional nightmare imaginable.

Equally important is getting romantically involved with a woman you have only recently met. Ask yourself this simple question, “if she were in the United States, would she be this interested in me?’ This is particularly true if you are 55 and she is 23.  Chances are she is using you as a sponsor. Women will sleep with you after talking to you for 10 minutes. It is a business and she is doing her job. You are paying her for a service that she is doing. If she tells you she loves you she is only doing her job and you are paying her to lie to you. Prior to making and romantic or financial commitment, get her checked out.

 

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.

Diminishing crime here is disputed by a Canadian expat

The perception that crime has diminished in San Jose, is in many cases the absence of reports by police to news people. No news bulletin issued on the daylight robbery involving  ex-pat Candance Wier. Not only did the bandit assault her with a firearm he also took the car she had borrowed. Her route was from Quepos to come to San Jose. Candance Weir suffered a head wound during the robbery.

Ms. Weir is a Canadian ex-pat, was the victim of daylight robbery. She had borrowed a neighbor’s car and drove it to Rohmoser. She parked the car in front of the hotel where she was to stay with her husband. Out of no where the bandit appeared and roobed her with a pistol. The bandit armed with a pistol assaulted Ms. Weir. Her personal effects, he left in the car along with her passport.

Robbery took place in front of popular hotel

According to the news report the victims husband said the car was recovered later and impounded. They were unable to retrieve the car from the impound lot as they were not the registered owners. The robbery took place in front of a popular hotel with security.

The Weir’s said they have lived here for 10 years and has had not experience this type of situation. They continued to stay at the hotel and made a report to the Judicial Investigating Organization. Weir said the agents provided excellent service.

We have previously posted the lack of reporting crimes generates false perceptions as to the real crime situation here. Although we recognize that crime is largely based on population and opportunity, the promoting of a safe community can only be based on the number of arrest for criminal acts. Unfortunately, the system here does promote active reporting and is fragmented. Thus to get an idea of the real problem you have to keep you ears to the ground and be ever vigilant whether you are visiting or live here.

For more information on safety and areas to avoid please contact us at 321-218-9209.

 

 

Are you thinking about buying Costa Rica real estate?  I know there are many beautiful places here. But, before you sign on the dotted line, there are several things you need to be aware of. Real estate agents have no licenses. Thus, anyone can represent they are a real estate agent. There is no government oversight of the real estate industry in Costa Rica. Consequently, anyone with a mouth and ears can sell real estate here. Consequently, you are at risk if not done correctly.

Living here I am well aware of the “real estate agents” who are nothing more than scammers. Scammers are protected here by the law. You can more money defrauding someone here than selling drugs. I know of fraud cases in the courts here for over ten years. You can never lose sight that the court system is not like the one back home. Courts here are run by inept and corrupt judges. No jury trials here. If you are a foreign national you enter the court areana with 2 strikes.

Real estate ownership here is possible if you do it right. A licensed Costa Rica attorney is all you need. All real estate purchases must be notarized. All Notary’s here must be licensed Codta Rica attorneys. However, not all licensed attorneys are Notaries. To have the notary designation requires additional education/ training, and many do not have it.

I recommend that buying Costa Rica real estate requires a licensed attorney. Also, one that speaks English as well as Spanish. It is vital for you to understand each step of the purchase. We offer to our clients legal services with a licensed Costa Rica Attorny and Notary. You can come by or call for an appointment. We will be happy to assist you.

Assaults with firearms are on the rise in Costa Rica

If you are coming to Costa Rica be aware that assaults with firearms are on the rise. As we have recently reported that visitors here should take precautions when visiting here, the English speaking news paper Inside Costa Rica published an article stating that assaults with firearms are on the rise. A word to the wise, be alert and look every situation over before getting involved. Most of the time this simple admonition is enough to save you from a real problem

Use common sense when visiting Costa Rica

Just like many of the metropolitan cities in the United States, there are areas that you know that are inherently dangerous. The same is true here. For more insight go to travelling to Costa Rica.

1. Don’t travel by foot during the night

2. Leave your valuables in the hotel in a safe

3. Carry one credit card and little cash

4. Carry a copy of your passport with the date of entry page

5. Beware of strangers

6. If you have a rental car and have a flat remain in your car and refuse any assistance from passerby’s

7. Travel in groups

8. Remain in well lite areas

9. If traveling to the beach make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return

10. Beware of ex-pats that tell you where the “hot spots” are.

Although not comprehensive if you follow these simple common sense rules, the chances of you falling victim to a robbery or an assault is greatly diminished. Remember the police here are not the same as the United States. They are undermined, under equipped and take little or no action. Costa Rica has a law that makes any theft under $500 no consequence. That’s right, if the theft is less than $500 you are out of luck!

For more information and advisories as where to stay, where to visit or other information, please feel free to call us at 321-218-9209.

 

Five-Step Plan to Catch a Cheater in Costa Rica

The five-step plan to catch a cheater in Costa Rica: Cheaters that come to Costa Rica have often laid the groundwork for their misdeeds long before they actually arrive. Technology advancements have given cheaters a false sense of security with new devices. Today most cheaters think they have an advantage by using such devices and applications to communicate. To take advantage of this misconception I recommend the following five steps to catch a cheater in Costa Rica.

 

My Five-step recommendations

Step 1: Make a Decision

First, you should decide whether or not it’s worth knowing if your partner is cheating. I know of instances where some prefer not to know. Innocent victims of a cheater owe it to themselves and their families to know the truth. Decide to catch a cheater if knowing the truth is the best thing for you and your family.

Step 2: Be Prepared

Once the decision has been made to catch the cheater you must prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario. Having definitive proof that your partner is cheating can be devastating. It’s also important to be financially prepared to investigate. Cheaters never perform on cue. It takes perseverance and patience to catch a cheater. The more information you supply the investigator the more effective and efficient they can be and thus save you time and money.

I will need recent photos, itinerary, flight number, location, traveling companions, habits, distinguishing marks, and length of stay for the investigation. We will discuss more details in our pre-investigation interview.

Step 3: Deploy

Probably the most important thing that you will have to do is the hiring of a private investigator in Costa Rica. You want to hire a private investigator with the experience and resources to carry out the mission. You also want a private investigator that listens to your ideas and concerns with regard to conducting the investigation. Be cautious of investigators in Costa Rica who try to bully or misguide you. Be especially wary of those who ask for payment through Western Union, or ask you to send money to a third party, as this is a red flag.

Probably, the most frequent question I get is about cost and conducting an investigation in Costa Rica. Although a third-world country the cost of living and operating here is higher than that in the United States. For example, gasoline is almost $6.00 a gallon; a 2 Liter bottle of Coke is $3.00; a combo from McDonald’s is $6.50; these prices are due in part to the Costa Rica government placing taxes on all consumer goods.

Competent and experienced investigators the United States routinely charge between $60 and $100 per hour plus expenses for their services. You should expect similar rates from competent and qualified investigators in Costa Rica. When you interview investigators in Costa Rica and they tell you they have a flat rate of $200 a day, you will sadly learn that this is nothing more than a ruse to ask you for more money as the investigation progresses. Some will hold the results of their investigation as hostage until you send them more money.

Step 4:  Wait and be patient

As I mentioned earlier cheaters never perform on cue. To catch a cheater it is a matter of being in the right place at the right time to capture his/her indiscretions. This is not rocket science but it does require perseverance and patience not only on the part of the investigator that on the client as well. I know it is human nature to want to know everything that is going on during the course of an investigation. But it is extremely important that you follow my instructions during the surveillance. I will keep you informed of any relevant or important events but will require that you keep this information to yourself until the investigation is complete. The investigation is only as good as the secrecy of the operation is maintained.

Step 5: Review the Results

 Many times, due to circumstances and or obstacles clear-cut proof cannot be obtained. For example, getting a video are photographic evidence of an intimate encounter between the cheater and his lover is rare. However, when reviewing the available evidence, and taking into consideration the totality of the circumstances to which the evidence speaks, you need to ask yourself; what a reasonable person viewing the same evidence would conclude? This is what you call circumstantial evidence and the conclusion is drawn from the preponderance of the evidence. If we obtain photographic evidence of the cheater at a bar that is known to be a meeting place for prostitutes and the cheater is captured with a woman in such a place and then leaves with that woman, what would a reasonable person to conclude?

Regrettably, these investigations lead to divorce. I recommend that prior to confronting a cheater with the evidence of his infidelity, you sit down with a divorce attorney and allow him to advise you as to the best manner to proceed.

For more information call us at 321-218-9209 or visit our Facebook page.

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.

Fraud in Costa Rica, believe it or not, seems to be endless. Fraud, whether it be real estate, marriage, investment, or squatters can cost you everything you have. The toll financially and emotionally from enduring such fraud goes without comment. I emphasize to my clients that always trust their instincts. If “it sounds too good to be true”, then it is! The different types of Fraud in Costa Rica are numerous.

Most of my clients contact me after sensing something just isn’t right. Many dismiss this feeling and delay action that could help them before it is too late. As a potential victim of a fraud, you owe it to yourself to have your matter investigated by a professional fraud investigator.

 

The local print and electronic news services in Costa Rica report fraud on a daily basis. The OIJ, an understaffed, underfunded police branch, struggles to handle reported fraud casesgency.  Non-Costa Rican cases receive low priority and often go uninvestigated by understaffed OIJ Read more