Costa Rica Real Estate Fraud

Costa Rica Private Investigator, due diligence, Fraud investigations, Private Investigations, Real Estate Fraud, Tips and Tricks

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

Name: Cody L. Gear & Associates
Address: Plaza Rose, 600 mtrs sur este Casa Esquinera, Color Blanco, Verjas Negras, San Rafael de Escazu, San José Province, San Jose, 10203, CR
Telephone: 321-218-9209

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.

Cheating Girlfriend in Costa Rica

Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Costa Rica Travel, due diligence, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Surveillance in Costa Rica, Travel Destinations

Back in the States do you have a Cheating Girlfriend in Costa Rica?

Do you ever have a gut feeling that you have a cheating girlfriend in Costa Rica? Concluding all of us men are the same. As a tenured and professional private investigators, most, think with their hearts. Moreover, that is until the brain takes over and says “something wrong here”. More than often they don’t see what is right in front of their eyes. It’s a predicament. We try to avoid scams and cheating girlfriends. The more we get reeled in the fewer things we see that are obvious.

Sometimes it takes the scrutiny or unbiased opinion of a neutral party to give us the truth that we don’t see in front of us. Actually taking the step to seek out this advice is a big one and as men, we don’t even want to admit to ourselves that the possibility exists. We rationalize all of the telltale signs of what she’s doing and try to convince ourselves that there is an explanation for everything. There are always red flags. The red flags are usually pretty standard and anyone paying attention will see these red flags long before the man will.

Observations

Cody Gear has seen these scenarios firsthand for over 20 years. I know how to get you the answers you want….or don’t want. We won’t just bring you an opinion. We’ll bring you evidence and results to help you make difficult choices if that’s the case. If you think that you have a cheating girlfriend in Costa Rica, call us. For expert advice to help protect you from heartache and possible financial loss you might want to consider taking our short course on how to avoid getting caught in the most common traps of women who play games. If you want to find out more about this subject click here.

Travelling to Costa Rica

Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Costa Rica Travel, due diligence, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Private Investigations, Real Estate Fraud, Tips and Tricks, Travel Destinations

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.

Mistakes to avoid in Costa Rica

Auto Collision, Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Costa Rica Travel, Costra Rica Car rental, due diligence, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Private Investigations, Real Estate Fraud, Surveillance in Costa Rica, Tips and Tricks, Travel Destinations

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 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. 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.

Canadian Expat Victim of Daylight Robbery

Costa Rica Private Investigator, Costa Rica Travel, due diligence, Fraud investigations, Infidelity Surveillance, Missing persons, Real Estate Fraud, Tips and Tricks

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.

Catch a Cheater in Costa Rica

Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Fraud investigations, Private Investigations, Tips and Tricks

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.

Husband Cheating on you in Costa Rica?

Cheating spouse in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Private Investigator, Costa Rica Travel, Infidelity Surveillance, Private Investigations, Surveillance in Costa Rica, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

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.

How to find a private investigator in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Private Investigator, Costa Rica Travel, due diligence, Infidelity Surveillance, Private Investigations, Real Estate Fraud, Surveillance in Costa Rica, Tips and Tricks, Travel Destinations

How to find a Private Investigator in Costa Rica? That seems to be the number one question that our colleagues get asked in the states. Followed by, When should I hire a private investigator? Honestly, both of the questions are 100% valid. Finding a Private Investigator is hard; finding an investigator in Costa Rica is even harder. To find a trustworthy, licensed, and experienced investigator, you will need to conduct your own research. Having investigative skills will help you find a PI that fits your needs.

If you found this article, it means you probably came from a Google Search. Because of the internet, nowadays, it seems that everyone is advertising private investigation services here in Costa Rica. In doing so, there are some things you need to know.

First:

There is no governmental oversight of the private investigation industry here in Costa Rica. Likewise, there is no governmental oversight of Real Estate Industry. As one can imagine, this opens the door to all types of opportunities for fraud or a scam. Thus, there are no licensing requirements for either of these two industries here in Costa Rica.

One of the things that you have to remember is that Costa Rica is a small nation and does not have the infrastructure to oversee such industries. So, there really is no easy shop and go for this kind of thing. We can’t teach you how to find a private investigator in Costa Rica, but following the next three tips will making find a reliable and trustworthy investigator an easier decision.

Second:

DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ANYONE INCLUDING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR THROUGH WESTERN UNION. It is well documented here in Costa Rica that the majority of scams are carried off by using Western Union. Especially if you are told to send it to another name, not the requestors.

Since Costa Rica does not offer any type of licensing for Private Investigators, anyone can literally begin to offer Investigative Services under any name. The same holds true for mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and other services that normally require licensing in the United States.

But, just because your investigator is not licensed in Costa Rica, it doesn’t mean that he’s not licensed anywhere else. Because Costa Rica is held to different standards, this means that if you get scammed, you won’t be able to come after your investigator. Always protect your assets when you’re conducting business with a company outside of the United States.

Third:

Before hiring a Private Investigator in Costa Rica, make sure that the investigator is qualified to complete the task at hand. Do they have a Private Investigator’s license in the United States? If so, they probably have a company as well.

Always request licensing information, if they don’t have one, ask for a reason as to why they don’t have one. If they came from the United States, ask for proof that they are still in good standing with the licensing department in the United States. Costa Rica is the land of the Wanted & Unwanted. Many people run away from the United States due to legal reasons. Is your private investigator fleeing the country due to unethical practices? You need to make sure.

Trustworthy & Reliable

Does your private investigator have an office in Costa Rica? If so, is the address a legitimate address, or is it a parking garage? Do they have a phone number where they can be reached easily? Will he provide you with a detailed billing of his work and expenses? Does he have a bank account, or will you have to wire him money?

Experience & Education

Do they have any certifications? Are they certified fraud examiners? Anyone can tell you that they have years of experience, but without any type of certification, this is hard to prove. The same holds true when they claim to have Federal Government background experience. How can you prove that? And does this mean that they were on the field conducting investigations, or were they in an office foreseeing investigations?

Experience is a very valuable tool, as long as you have experience in the right field. We have been offering investigative services for over 30 years starting in the United States. Our corporate office, located in Orlando Florida, is still operational in the states. But we don’t offer every type of investigation. We focus on the three main investigation services in order to guarantee quality control.

We hope that If you follow these simple guidelines, and take your time to interview your investigator, you’ll be able to find a private investigator in Costa Rica, and any other part of the world. These tips will save you money and frustration in the long run. We have found over the years that our clients are intelligent people who can recognize a pretender. Real investigators have the verifiable experience, licensing and training to carry out your objectives. if you want to know more please feel free to contact us at Cody L. Gear and Associates.

Don’t forget this tip: A good investigator will never hesitate to give you the information you’re asking for. Remember, you don’t depend on us. We depend on you.

[superbutton href=”https://codygear.com/contact/”] Contact us Today for a Free Consultation [/superbutton]

Tag Archive for: cheeting husband