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Scams in Costa Rica

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Just like any other country, scams in Costa Rica experience its share of scams targeting both tourists and locals. While the situation may change over time, as of my last update in September 2021, here are some popular scams that have been reported in Costa Rica. To avoid falling victim to scams in Costa Rica (or anywhere else), here are some practical steps you can take.

Research and Plan Ahead:

Before you travel, research your destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, common scams, and areas to avoid. This will help you make informed decisions and recognize potentially risky situations.

Use Reputable Sources:

When booking accommodations, tours, or activities, use reputable travel websites, apps, or agencies with positive reviews. Check for official websites or physical addresses when booking services.

Use Official Transportation:

Stick to official taxis, rideshare services, or pre-arranged transportation from reputable companies. Avoid accepting rides from strangers or unlicensed drivers. Make sure if you use a taxi, you get the price before you get into the car.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions:

Refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks for online banking, shopping, or any activities involving sensitive personal information. If necessary, use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection.

Unsolicited Offers:

Be cautious of individuals who approach you with unsolicited offers, especially if they seem too good to be true. Politely decline and walk away if you’re uncomfortable.

Guard Your Personal Information:

Don’t share personal or financial information with strangers. Be cautious about displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics, as this might attract unwanted attention. You should guard your passport and cash. I recommend that you make a copy of your passport and carry it with you. You should leave your passport in the safe where you are staying.

Inspect Rental Vehicles:

If renting a car, thoroughly inspect it for existing damage before driving off. Take photos and document any scratches or issues to avoid disputes later.

Use ATMs Wisely:

Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas, such as banks or shopping centers. Cover your PIN while entering it, and be cautious if the ATM looks suspicious or tampered with.

“Helpful” Strangers:

While it’s okay to accept help from genuine locals, be cautious if someone insists on guiding you or offering unsolicited assistance. Politely decline if you’re not comfortable.

Educate Yourself on Local Currency:

Familiarize yourself with the local currency and exchange rates to avoid being tricked into unfair deals. Use official currency exchange centers or banks.

Trust Your Instincts:

If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.

Emergency Contacts:

Save the local embassy or consulate’s contact information in case you encounter legal or safety issues. They can provide assistance if needed.

Learn Basic Local Phrases:

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can help you communicate and build rapport with locals, making it less likely for scammers to target you.

Secure Your Belongings:

Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places or tourist areas. Use anti-theft bags or money belts to protect your valuables.

Stay informed and keep up with local news and updates to be aware of any new scams or safety concerns that might arise during your stay.

Remember that being cautious doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip. It’s about being aware of your surroundings and making informed decisions to have a safe and pleasant experience.

 

 

Missing Persons in Costa Rica

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What to do in Locating Missing Persons in Costa Rica

Kim ParisLocating missing persons in Costa Rica is much different from the methods and techniques used in the United States. There are numerous people that have gone missing in Costa Rica and have to date not been found. It is important that if you find yourself in this situation, you understand that the authorities here neither have the resources nor the motivation to find the missing person. The one thing that is absolutely necessary is to get someone involved to start looking for the missing person. The longer the time the greater the chance that the person will not be located. Please remember that the longer you wait the colder the trail will become. Additionally, don’t expect much help from the U.S. Embassy. They will take the information and tell you they will contact Costa Rica Police. However, make sure you report the missing person to the Embassy.

 

1st Thing to do in Locating Missing Persons in Costa Rica

The first thing you should do in locating missing persons in Costa Rica is to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency. When you do so give them as much information as humanly possible. Although the local law enforcement agency will have little to lend to the search and recovery of the missing person, it is one of the first things that the American Embassy in Costa Rica will ask you. Do not delay in making the missing person report to the police. All of the cases that we have handled have had considerable time lapses between the disappearance and reporting of the person missing. Each moment that passes with nothing being initiated to locate the person further reduces the chances of the person being found.

2nd Thing to do in Locating Missing Persons in Costa Rica

Call the American Embassy in Costa Rica. If you are calling from the States dial 011-506-2519-2000 and ask for extension 2453. Alternatively, if it is after business hours or the weekend, send an email to acssanjose@state.gov and provide all of the information about the missing person including but not limited to; photographs, flight itinerary, hotel reservation, date of arrival, anticipated date of departure, photographs, and the reason you suspect the person is missing.

3rd Thing to do

It is necessary that the missing person be reported missing to the Judicial Police in Costa Rica. They are commonly referred to as OIJ. If you call them be prepared to have someone who speaks Spanish as there are no resources for English. Costa Rica Law requires that an immediate member of the missing person’s family report the incident. They will not accept the missing person report from a third party. This must be done in person by the immediate family member. Thus be prepared to make arrangements for the immediate family member to travel to Costa Rica to make the report.

Alternatively, an immediate family member can go to the nearest Costa Rica Consulate and report the person missing. They will need the same information as previously outlined for the American Embassy. This will further delay the missing person investigation as the bureaucracy of the Costa Rica government moves slowly.

The Last thing to do

Probably the most important of all is not to procrastinate in reporting the missing loved one in Costa Rica. Also, equally important to retain the services of a professional and reliable private investigator to begin searching immediately.  The longer time in retaining the services of such a professional only means that the trail will be colder by the minute. Years of experience have taught me that it is imperative to get on this search as soon as possible.

Costa Rica Safety

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What about Costa Rica’s Safety?

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

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

Costa Rica Safety and Crime

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

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

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

Contrasting Costa Rica Law

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Contrasting Costa Rica Law to the Common Law of the United States

The Common Law that law is the foundation of the law in the United States. Similar but more confusing is the  Napoleonic Code that controls Costa Rica’s law. Contrasting Costa Rica law (the Napoleonic Code) to that of the United States (English common law) it is understandable why numerous Americans are the victims of fraud in Costa Rica. Although this article is dry, it is nonetheless informative. Especially, the challenges and obstacles you will face if you decide to open a business or buy property.

 

Usage today

No matter the fact that the Napoleonic Code was not the very first civil code. Accordingly, it did not stand for every one of Napoleons’ empire. However, it was among the most prominent. It was ratified in many countries inhabited by the French throughout the Napoleonic Wars. Furthermore, it morphed and became the basis of individual legislation devices in Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. Portugal, in addition to Poland (1808– 1946), and Germany to the east of the Rhine. The Napoleonic code was used till the intro of the Gesetzbuch and became the initial civil code for all of Germany.

The Napoleonic Code was additionally accepted in 1864 in Romania

The Code was likewise embraced in Egypt as part of a device of the combined courts in Egypt. The Napoleonic Code was equated into Arabic from the French between 1881-1883. Numerous various other codes with marginal effects were the German, Swiss and Austrian. Nevertheless, there is some effect of the French code that could be really felt. Especially, as the Napoleonic Code is taken as the initial efficient codification of regulation.

Napoleonic Code prevalent in Latin America

The civil law devices of the countries of modern multinational Europe, with the exemption of Russia and numerous other Scandinavian Countries. They have, to differing degrees, been impacted by the Napoleonic Code. The lawful devices of Great Britain other than Scotland and Ireland are based upon the English common law. Scottish legislation, though similarly a civil law device, is uncodified. It was impacted by the Romano-Dutch law concept, and by English legislation.

In the Middle East, the influence of the Napoleonic code was incorporated with pointers of Islamic legislation. It is also in Saudi Arabia (which follows an addition to Islamic legislation). In Kuwait as an example, house civil liberties, girls’ civil liberties, and the education and learning device can be deemed Islamic reenactments of the French civil code. A few of these features can be viewed in different other Gulf states, although much less obvious compared to Kuwait, this primarily being as a result of the autonomous attributes of Kuwait, instead of the absolutist attributes of many different other Gulf nations.

Many Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica have their system of civil law founded on the principles of the Napoleonic Code. Many who come here, especially from the United States, assume that contract law and real estate law are similar to those in the States. Nothing is further from the truth which is why it is necessary to hire a competent Costa Rica lawyer who can guide you through this process.

Is Cheating in Costa Rica Increasing ?

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I have noticed a spike in the number of cheating spouse surveillance. Is cheating in Costa Rica increasing? It has been so much, that I have had to increase staff to keep pace. Just recently, I have had more unfaithful partner cases than other types of investigations. Throughout the previous year, the need for monitoring cheating partners has actually increased twofold.

A recent study on the factors contributing to an increase was inconclusive.  Exactly what force is behind the increase, the results were mixed. The majority of the study indicates that this increase throughout financial difficult times is contrary to other information and current surveys suggesting, many people can ill afford exposure to a separation or a divorce.

Factors influencing the increase of cheating in Costa Rica

Perhaps, one factor is due to the enhanced pressure that financial tough times give the household environment. The increase might be related to the egregious partner desiring to leave the pressures. Costa Rica is a stunning nation with numerous natural resources that bring visitors from all over the world. Costa Rica is world-renowned for its stunning coastlines and tropical rainforest. It is likewise referred to as a fishing destination for enthusiastic fishermen, particularly from the United States. Numerous cases are now being examined starting with the tale that the cheating partner is going to Costa Rica to fish.

This “cover story”, in a sense holds true. The kind of fishing being done is not in the sea, it is in the many areas that have young, lovely, and beautiful females who work in the sex trade. The “fishing bait” being made use of is around 6 inches long, green, and is called United States currency.

Where do they come from

The most widespread locations in the United States experience the greatest rate of cheating partners. U.S. locations that have the highest frequency are metropolitan areas. The bigger cities such as Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami. Over the previous 6 months, most of the extramarital relations cases have actually come from the Atlanta area. The cases vary from a weekend spree to secretly sending money to the prostitute.

I have had cases where the unfaithful partner has actually bought a property in Costa Rica, without the knowledge or permission of the wife. For the most part, cheaters stand to lose their Costa Rica property. Any property acquired in Costa Rica while their marriage exists in the United States can be lost. It is subject to an undivided one-half with their spouse in Costa Rica without a divorce. In fact, the wife in the United States only has to file a demand for her undivided one-half. The Costa Rica courts and the property will be tied up until a settlement agreement is executed between them. Costa Rica has really distinct laws worrying about such realty purchases.

Agency Information

Our agency in San Jose is fully staffed and I have an associate who is a licensed Costa Rican Attorney. This is definitely an advantage to our clients in order to assist them with legal matters. Matters, such as recovering properties that have actually been obtained surreptitiously. Land grabs are common here. I have a law degree, but I do not practice law in Costa Rica and encourage anybody requiring a comprehensive description of the laws get in touch with somebody like my associate, a certified Costa Rica lawyer and have the law explained in detail.

Commonly I am asked, when should a suspicious partner seek my services. The simple truth he is coming to Costa Rica with his “pals” which alone should prompt action. If absolutely nothing takes place then the partner in the United States can have some peace of mind knowing that her suspicions were unfounded.

Costa Rica Money Laundering Criminals Indicted

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Criminals Indicted in USA for Laundering

I had the task of recovering money that a client sent to an online Costa Rica money laundering scheme. The same Costa Rica money laundering criminals were indicted in the USA. Fortunately, my client was able to recover his money prior to the closure of the scam. Not everyone is so lucky. Once again, if it sounds too good to be true it is. The scam was offering a method to move money without regulators knowing where the money originated.

The New York Times reports that this scam was “a PayPal for criminals”. The scheme embraced activities globally allowing participants to move money I’n complete anonymity. According to the article, Liberty Reserve was responsible for criminal activity ranging from stolen identities to child pornography. In the indictment which was handed down in Manhattan, “Liberty Reserve was in fact used extensively for illegal purposes, functioning in effect as the bank of choice for the criminal underworld.”  The New York Times also reports that a “senior law enforcement official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the charges had not yet been announced, said that one undercover agent was able to register accounts under names like “Joe Bogus” and describe the purpose of the account as “for cocaine” without questioning. That no-questions-asked verification system made Liberty Reserve the premier bank for cyber-criminals, facilitating a broad range of illegal online activity.”

Dwtails of scheme

According to information contained in the indictment Liberty reserve is estimated to have laundered more than $6 billion dollars. The founder of Liberty Reserve, Arthur Budovsky, who reportedly renounced his United States citizenship in 2011, was arrested in Spain on Friday. Budovsky formed a Costa Rica corporation in 2006 and used it as a vehicle to promote this money laundering scheme. Previously Costa Rica law provided a method of forming corporations that were completely anonymous. They are called S.A. (Sociedad Anonima) and it is virtually impossible to pierce the corporate veil due to the structure of the S.A.. Unlike American corporations an  S.A. is owned by the person who has physical possession of the corporate books. The corporate officers that appear on the official records in most cases have no connection to the ownership.

One reason I felt it was important to post this information is the high incidence of fraudulent activities here in Costa Rica. Many times unsuspecting Americans and other visitors are easy prey for the con artist. Remeber the old adage “if it’s too good to be true, then it is”? Whether it be investment offers or real estate you owe to yourself and your family to be sure before you commit any money to anything in Costa Rica.

We advise our clients that prior to sending any money to Costa Rica, especially via Western Union, they retain the professionals at Cody L. Gear and Associates to conduct a thorough due diligence. The cost of such an inquiry could prove to be pail in comparison to the loss you may suffer if you don’t. For more information call us toll free at 321*218-9209.

 

Costa Rica Private Investigators are Significantly Different

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The difference

 

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

 

Comparison

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

Database and public records

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

Criminal records

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

Getting the information

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

Corruption

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

Conclusion

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

 

Costa Rica Real Estate Fraud

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

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

They are incredibly lucky.

What we know

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

Authorities moved swiftly

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

Conclusion

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

 

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

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