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.
Costa Rica Surveillance Services
Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Costa Rica Travel, Costra Rica Car rental, due diligence, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Private Investigations, Surveillance in Costa RicaI have todeve;opedosta Rica Surveillance Services
If you want success be proactive
Our surveillance services include the use of encrypted original footage. Thus, ensuring compliance with the civil rules of procedure for evidence gathering and storage procedures. I am fully compliant with the new hybrid civil / criminal evidence format, our evidence is admitted in court. This results in the majority used primarily civil cases.
Admisabilty
The result by following such procedures we insure that the evidence we obtain can be used in court. I am confident the extent and quality of our surveillance cases are changing the way personal injury fraud is prosecuted. Furthermore. it is no coincidence that two of the most important recent cases in relation to personal injury fraud both relied upon our evidence. I am one of a few firms to offer a complete and reliable capture of proof that you need.
Additionally, I can travel to the United States to testify. I have to testify to authenticate the evidence for it to be admissible in court. Additionally I use the latest state of the art equipment and techniques to accomplish our mission. Such equipment includes night vision and stealth cameras. We also use remote video cameras that allow us to conduct surveillances for extended periods of time.
Surveillance Takes Time and Patience
Targets of surveillance Never perform on cue! It is a matter of perseverance and being in the right place at the right time to capture the indiscretion. If you suspect your significant other is being unfaithful and you have advance notice of the travel plans to Costa Rica, call us and allow us to assist you with a strategy to accomplish your objectives.
Mistakes Expats Make in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Private Investigations, Real Estate Fraud, Tips and Tricks, Travel DestinationsHere’s a list of Mistakes Expats Make in Costa Rica
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
Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Private Investigations, Real Estate Fraud, Tips and Tricks, Travel DestinationsTraveling to Costa Rica? Beware! Costa Rica Scam Alert:
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 online complaint form (http://www.ftc.gov).
• Canadian Phone Busters hotline: 888-495-8501.
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (http://www.ic3.gov).
• Non-emergency number for your local police department.
• The government agency in your country responsible for dealing with fraud.
Information-Costa Rica Private Investigator Needs
Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Surveillance in Costa Rica, Tips and Tricks, Travel DestinationsWhat Information a Costa Rica Investigator Needs
I am not a magician
Just keep in mind that the less information you have, the longer it might take for the private investigator to find the person you are looking for. It is also much harder for the private investigator to find someone if they are running from the law. Although, no matter what the circumstances the private investigator should exhaust all resources in order to find who they are looking for. Some tips; if your target lives in Costa Rica, they will have two last names. (i.e. Gonzalez- Bedoa) This is very important as this will reduce the amount of time to locate them and/or get information on their whereabouts. If it is an American you seek a passport will also save time and money.
How do they find the person I am looking for?
A reliable, trustworthy Costa Rica professional private investigator has a number of different resources that the “ordinary person” does not have.. Private investigators have access to the most modern technology and databases that will help provide the information they are looking for. Some of these databases can only be used by private investigators, so the “ordinary person” would never have access to this information. They also have easier access to the large amounts of public records and information that is out there. Plus, last but not least, the skills they have acquired over the years as a private investigator give them a great advantage over someone who doesn’t have professional experience.
How long will it take?
How long it takes really depends on the person the private investigator is trying to find. A private investigator’s vast resources and professional experience can sometimes allow them to find someone in 24 hours or less! However, this greatly depends on how willing the person is to be found. If the private investigator is looking for an old friend, long lost love, or a family member it should be a lot easier than looking for someone who is running from the law. It also depends on how much information you are able to give the private investigator.
Why should I hire a private investigator?
For an affordable and reasonable amount a professional Costa Rica private investigator can find the person, you are looking for. They have the skills, resources, and time to get the job done in a timely fashion. In fact, a private investigator can often find someone you have been looking for, for years in a matter of hours or days. Why spend countless days or even years trying to find someone when you can make a quick phone call and have a professional, Costa Rica private investigator devoted to the job? It just makes sense to use a private investigator that is in Costa Rica..
Surveillance in Costa Rica
Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Private Investigations, Surveillance in Costa Rica, Tips and TricksHow Does Surveillance in Costa Rica Work?
The most important stage of surveillance in Costa Rica is getting to know the “subject” or in many instances, the suspected cheater. So, how does surveillance work in Costa Rica? Information that would be necessary such as knowing the habits of the target. For example what the cheating husband, boyfriend, wife, or girlfriend likes, or dislikes. Other habits, type of food preferred, favorite restaurants frequented, employment information, hobbies, and vehicles are driven. The possible person he/she might be cheating with, and a description of all parties. Provide information on everything if you suspect your spouse/partner of cheating as, the more you provide upfront, the better the chance for success. Leaving out a detail or two can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of the surveillance.
As the surveillance progresses, most clients want regular reports or communication regarding what we are finding in the field. Communication with clients on a continuing basis is an indispensable part of a professional surveillance strategy.
While some prefer not to receive a report until the conclusion of the infidelity investigation and surveillance. I recommend having regular communications to discuss service and to implement changes when necessary. Most professional private investigators will determine the best method of communicating and frequency based on the circumstances of the surveillance.
Surveillance in Costa Rica
There are times when infidelity, or cheating, is just not taking place even though you have seen signs to the contrary. There are also times when the cheating is far too infrequent with no established patterns, or so well hidden, that catching the cheater is not possible using normal investigative techniques.
Confidentiality and Discretion
All surveillance investigations should be completely confidential and private. Your identity, along with all information that we obtain on your behalf, should be maintained in the strictest of confidence. Information that obtained as a result of the surveillance should only be provided to you or your attorney.
Murder in Costa Rica
Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Infidelity Surveillance, Private Investigations, Tips and Tricks, Travel DestinationsFamily of Five murdered in Costa Rica
law theme, mallet of the judge, justice scale, books, wooden desk
This a follow up on a murder in Costa Rica. It is a story, that frankly, has all too often been repeated here. Not necessarily ending with murder, but the consequences of making poor choices can lead to disastrous results. Although, we receive cases involving infidelity between Americans and Costa Ricans, there is a pattern of conduct that merits discussions. Understanding that everyone deserves someone special in their lives does equate to risking everything on a poor decision. We have been retained to investigate murders in Costa Rica by several ex-pats.
Having investigated numerous murder cases during my law enforcement career I have learned that time is of the essence. The longer the authorities wait to investigate the greater the chance of the case going “cold”.
Destination and Temptation
Costa Rica is a world renowned destination for its climate, natural beauty and its women. The women here are generally attractive, polite and friendly. For the most part American men who come here are in search of a meaningful and lasting relationship. Most have passed the place in life where they are competitive in the dating market in the United States. Most have endured a broken heart either from a divorce or a death. Many are in their fifties or sixties and their choices in the States are limited to similarly situated women, who also have suffered the loneliness associated with such losses. Both bring “baggage” from their previous situation, ranging from abuse to financial trouble.
Murder in Costa Rica
In the case mentioned at the beginning, the news account of the Tico Times, details the background that ultimately led to this tragedy. Like many of the cases we handled, many of them begin with the American meeting a woman in one of the local watering holes that promote and allow this type of business to thrive. It is not uncommon for women to start visiting these places at as young as eighteen. By the time they are twenty four, they have had an unimaginable amount of sexual contact with countless men of whom they know or care little about.
Visiting Costa Rica
Costa Rica Private Investigator, Private Investigations, Tips and Tricks, Travel DestinationsAre You Visiting Costa Rica? Warning
Costa Rica Not Prepared
Costa Rica’s prison situation is overcrowded, poorly managed, and woefully under-financed. As a result, this has led the government to release back into the population hundreds of convicted criminals. This in combination with the expanding narco-trafficking and influx of Mexican gang members are fueling the homicide rate. The majority of murders involve Costa Ricans.
Murders of Foreign Nationals Rise
However, the indiscriminate murder of foreign nationals is on the rise as well. Recently two Dutch nationals along with their workers were bound and executed at their property in Puntarenas. Other examples include a brutal attack on another Dutch national who operates a small bed and breakfast, where 3 Mexican guests attacked and tried to strangle her to death.
The police here are underfunded and despite their best efforts they struggle to identify and capture violent criminals. Even when they do the chances of the suspect remaining in jail are slim. Costa Rica has no capital punishment for murderers. Prison sentences are short-lived with violent criminals serving only a small portion of their sentences.
My advice is to always be aware of your surroundings and don’t take unnecessary risks while visiting this tropical paradise. Do not take your security for granted. Don’t travel alone if possible. Maintain contact with loved ones back home and tell them about your activities as well as a post on social media such as Facebook or Twitter. For example, post a picture of your hotel and rental car. In the event something does happen, you have left valuable information to follow.
I know that most don’t want to think about bad things that can happen when traveling to a foreign country, but today it is necessary to exercise caution wherever you go.
Boarding Pass
Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Infidelity Surveillance, Private Investigations, Tips and Tricks, Travel DestinationsNever discard your boarding pass
The reason? According to ‘Krebs on Security”, there’s a ton of personal information encrypted on the boarding pass. Once someone gets a screenshot of the bar code on the boarding pass you’ll be shocked at how much information can be discovered about you. Personal email addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers. From there, they can gain access to financial and banking information. Watch the video below and learn about the risks and damage you face by being careless with your boarding pass.
https://youtu.be/jM4_iz3RqE8
Take precautions to protect your boarding pass
In this day and age of perpetual technological advances and the unlimited use of smartphones your personal information is under constant bombardment from the bad guys.
Even digitally copying on your own cell phone or tablet puts you at risk of it being scanned and all of your personal information is available to the person making the search.
The best advice is that you keep it in your possession until after the flight and then when you return to your home or office make sure it is destroyed. Don’t put it in the trash and never post it on your social media. As a tenured and experienced private investigator, I know it is best to keep any info concealed.
Real Estate Fraud Plagues Costa Rica
Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Private Investigations, Real Estate FraudCosta Rica Real Estate Fraud
Temptation
With that kind of power, it is easy and tempting to do something less than honest or correct. In this particular case according to the news source, the victim is an elderly German woman. She appears to have lost ownership of her properties in southern Costa Rica due to inappropriate paperwork. Although the accused have yet to be identified the police are saying that have arrested a 61-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man in Alajuelita. Also arrested were a 37-year-old woman in Cartago and a 60-year-old man in Coronado. According to police documents the crimes allegedly happened between 2010 and 2012.
The latest reports
The two persons arrested in Alajuelita are also notaries but are not active now. The pair is charged with improperly administering the woman’s property in Punta Uva and Bahía Ballena, which is located in the southwestern area of the country. According to police documents, both had access to $5 million in cash.
The suspects that were arrested lived in Cartago and Coronado and are active notaries. Police said that they assisted in the creation of 19 corporations that play a role in the fraud. Police alleged that the suspects tricked the elderly woman into signing papers so that she lost the properties.
Agents also reported that when they searched the offices of the suspects they found two unregistered pistols.
Keep in mind there are no licensing requirements to regulate Real Estate agents
Barbara Sturncova
Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Private Investigations, Travel DestinationsBreaking news on Barbara Sturncova
Barbara Sturrncova who went missing five years ago is in the news again. Apparently, her male companion, The FBI arrested today while attempting to board an airplane with his new bride. He was arrested for using a fraudulent passport. In the past, there has been much speculation about Ulner and the role he played in Sturncova’s disappearance. No one has seen or heard from Sturncova since her disappearance and none of her bank cards have been used. Although highly coincidental, there is no evidence to link Ulner to her disappearance.
We wrote a cold case article about Barbara Sturncova and others that have mysteriously vanished into thin air. There are several people who have vanished never to be seen or heard from again. Fox 31 in Denver is reporting the story. There have been several people who have tried unsuccessfully to find Sturncova but have run into dead ends. The odds of ever finding her are poor.
The information we have received is that Ulner recently married and was at the airport leaving for his honeymoon when the FBI nabbed him. Information on his new wife and other information concerning his arrest has not been disclosed. Perhaps one day someone will discover Barbara and bring this case to a conclusion.
I have written this article to emphasize to those who have loved ones here, not to delay reporting a person missing. The simple fact that law enforcement is stretched to the limits further complicates cases like Barbara’s. The longer the wait the colder the trail. My years of working with homicides have taught me the quicker I get the case the better the result.