Tag Archive for: Costa Rica

Playa Samara

Avoiding Costa Rica Scams

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Preventing or avoiding Costa Rica scams 

Playa Samara

Playa Samara

Often I am asked what should I do in preventing or avoiding scams in Costa Rica. Some are easily avoided or prevented when you are armed with the right information. Before you go, let us review your itinerary and give you feedback on what we know. Our feedback is free and we do not have any affiliations with what we evaluate. Everything from car rentals to food. We have lived here for the past 15 years and have become very familiar with Costa Rica. 

Although our background is law and investigations, it has broadened our knowledge base on all types of scams and frauds. I feel if we can help anyone coming here from falling victim to a scam or fraud, they will want to come back. As you will learn some scams are not deliberate while others are as deliberate as they come.

 

Sky Line of San Jose Costa Rica

Costa Rica Private Investigation

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Local Costa Rica Private Investigator

Cody L Gear and Associates is a Costa Rica private investigation company. We have a network that reaches every Latin and South American country. Our group of network licensed investigators includes professionals who are familiar with Costa Rica, its culture, and its geography. They also  have many contacts who prove valuable for conducting investigations Costa Rica. Our private investigators are highly trained professionals with years of experience and training. All of our investigations are discreet and confidential.

Costa Rica Private Investigator

Cody L Gear and Associates in Costa Rica is a private investigation agency run from our corporate headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica. Costa Rica private investigators are not regulated by any government body. There is no requirement for licensure. Therefore, you have to exercise caution in selecting a private investigator. Many con artists and scammers will pose as investigators to steal your money or vital information.

With our firm you can rest assured that your investigator is experienced and reputable. Our investigators are often licensed in many jurisdictions within the continental United States. Some that are from countries abroad have licenses. Whether you are a resident of Costa Rica in need of an investigation or somewhere else, we are here to help. If you are a citizen of another country and you believe your investigation will lead you to Costa Rica, we can help.

Private Investigators in Costa Rica

Costa Rica reports a population of approximately 5 million people, and its official language is Spanish. The country is bordered by Nicaragua on the north and Panama on the south. Costa Rica is surrounded by the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. The primary export is coffee, its government and economy have proven to be consistently stable. More stable  than nearly every other Latin American country over the past several years.

In large part this is because Costa Rica has no military. There has not been any noteworthy political turmoil. Since the early 1940’s, following an open rebellion that The Government abolished the standing army and made Costa Rica a democracy. Despite political stability, however, Costa Rica js a developing country, and poverty levels remains fairly high. This is evidenced by a high crime rate particularly in property theft. Such crimes , particularly homicide and “smash and grab” type crimes appear the to be the most prevalent. The most prolific criminal enterprise in the country is its narcotics trade, specifically cocaine.ica is

Costa Rica Private Investigator Restrictions

Conducting private investigations in Costa Rica, all private investigators must comply with local and Costa Rica federal laws.

  • Performing Investigations in Costa Rica – In order to work in Costa Rica, the investigator must possess proof of permanent residency. Possess written authorization from the government or be a citizen of Costa Rica. Websites that hold themselves out to have their network of investigators in Costa Rica is misleading. 
  • Impersonate Law Enforcement – Private Investigators in Costa Rica cannot carry a badge, carry a firearm, wear a uniform. They can’t say anything that might imply that the private investigator is a police officer or an agent of the Costa Rica Government.
  • Make an Arrest – Private Investigators in Costa Rica cannot legally make an arrest. If there is evidence that requires an arrest should be made, the investigator should contact law enforcement.
  • Wiretapping – Wiretapping is illegal, the law in Costa Rica parallels that of most jurisdictions in the United states. Private Investigators cannot tap a phone. They cannot place GPS monitors on cars or use devices which reveals the location of a person.
  • Trespassing – Private Investigators cannot break and enter onto private property.

Locating a Missing Person in Costa Rica

Are you attempting to locate a missing person you believe to be somewhere in Costa Rica? Are you located in Costa Rica but are trying to locate someone outside of Costa Rica? Locating a missing person is not easy, especially when the police are often limited on available time/resources they can dedicate towards a missing person investigation. If you need help locating a missing person in Costa Rica and feel there is no one that can help you then contact our agency. We have been providing locate missing person investigations throughout the Latin and South America since 1990.

Learn more about Locating a missing person in Costa Rica and see how our trained private investigators can help you solve your missing person investigation.

Costa Rica Criminal Background Check

Do you need a Costa Rica criminal background investigation on someone? Outside of Costa Rica and need someone to provide you a local criminal background check? First and foremost, obtaining criminal records here can only be done through the courts. Anyone advertising criminal checks without an attorney is just plain being dishonest.

Background investigations are extremely useful and can provide someone with a lot of detailed information about their personal history. Don’t get involved with someone who may not be a good person to get into a relationship with. Learn more about Costa Rica Background Checks by contacting us today. One of our experienced private investigators will help you determine the best avenue to obtain the information you seek.

Cheating Spouse Investigation in Costa Rica

Has a loved one aroused your suspicion about infidelity when they are in Costa Rica? Are you located outside Costa Rica but believe your spouse is cheating on you when traveling here? There are many reasons as to why someone may think their spouse is cheating, but don’t let mixed emotions cause you to make uninformed decisions.

Before figuring out what to do next, take some steps to learn the facts. We have been providing cheating spouse investigation services in Costa Rica and around throughout the Americas since 1990. Learn more about how we can help you with your investigation by contacting us and speaking with a case agent. Our investigators will help create a unique action plan to help give you the piece of mind you deserve. Don’t accept the idea you cannot or the investigation company you are communicating will not identify the investigator and allow you to converse with them.

Uvita

New Regulations after Relaxing Pandemic rules in Costa Rica

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What you need to know:

Costa Rica is once again slowly but surely returning to some sort of normalcy. It would be helpful to outline some of the new regulations after relaxing pandemic rules in Costa Rica, First and foremost is the safety of all. You cannot enter a business without washing your hands and wearing a mask. So, it is not optional and you can face criminal charges if you don’t. But most businesses and restaurants have installed wash basins outside their businesses.

Restaurants and bars are restricted to capacity and activities. So don ‘t think it has returned to the point where the favorite watering hole will be slammed. Likewise, restaurants are limited to capacity and hours of operation. So, a word to the wise, before you go call and make a reservation. If you don’t you may wound up at McDonalds.

 

Some of the New Regulations after Relaxing Pandemic rules in Costa Rica

As you might be able to interpolate, you can see the easing of restrictions as they apply to specific dates. So a word to the wise would tell you that if you have plans to go to a restaurant, call first and make a reservation.

Vehicle Restrictions

“To restrict the movement of people”, driving restrictions have been put into place. The new Regulations after Relaxing Pandemic, vehicles can only circulate between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. all week long. These times correspond with the hours that most businesses are allowed to be open.

Previously, driving on certain days was also restricted, based on your license plate number. But as of March 1, 2021 all license plate restrictions have been lifted. All cars can now circulate everyday, except in downtown San Jose (for traffic control purposes). See this chart for San Jose restrictions.

Note: Tourism related vehicles (e.g. shuttle vans/tour vans) as well as rental cars are exempt from the driving restrictions. If you need to drive outside the allowed hours or within the San Jose downtown area (e.g you need to catch an early morning flight or are staying at a hotel in San Jose), you should be fine if you present your plane ticket/hotel reservation to the traffic police.” These restrictions are being enforce by the Transit Police and the number of cars they have seized is enormous.

Our team of professionals are at your disposal for any questions or guidance with regard to these new rules. Don’t hesitate to call us for the “skinny”.

 

Legal

Getting Things Done in Costa Rica

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Getting things Done in Costa Rica

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

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

What makes getting things done in Costa Rica so difficult?

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

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

Example of getting things done in Costa Rica

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

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

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

After all that there is more to getting things done

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

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

 

Costa Rica Investigator

Hiring a Costa Rica Private Investigator

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Before hiring a Costa Rica private investigator

 

Hiring a Costa Rica private investigator does not have to be a stressful or difficult process.  Before hiring a Costa Rica private investigator, I will share with you these simple steps as a guideline for locating the right Costa Rica private investigator. Today, it is easy to be misled, so it behooves you to thoroughly vett the PI before you retain them. I have assembled a few tips and guidelines to help you make an informed decision. These guidelines apply to me as well and I endeavor to make sure my clients have as much information as possible.

Licensing

There is no licensing system for private investigators in Costa Rica. Thus it is important to feel comfortable with the PI you select. No one in Costa Rica has a license to do investigations.  Unlike the United States where PI licensing is regulated on the state level. If the actual investigator does not possess a license issued by a state, then that tells you that this person is possibly unqualified to do investigative work.

Currently, the only states that do not require private investigators to be licensed are: Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota, & Wyoming

Always contact the appropriate state licensing agency to confirm an investigator’s license is current and in good standing prior to hiring them.

PI Firms vs. Individuals

One key choice in hiring a Costa Rica Private Investigator is whether to hire an individual or an investigative firm. Firms typically employ greater resources and are ideal for cases requiring large amounts of surveillance and manpower. Individual PI’s can often provide a wealth of knowledge with issues including the location of persons, background investigations, asset investigations etc.

Be sure to choose an investigator or firm that employs the necessary resources and prior experience to properly address your needs.

Hiring a Private Investigator

It is important to feel comfortable with the PI you choose as matters that require private investigation cases are often of a sensitive nature. Look for individuals who are able to think “outside of the box” and adapt to changing situations easily. Inquire as to signing a contract or agreement listing the private investigator’s services, fees, and terms. Make sure this agreement comes from the person or firm who is physically present in Costa Rica and is actually doing the investigation. This protects both parties.

Be sure to ask a potential investigator as many questions as possible. Use your judgment in selecting a PI. If your not comfortable with their answers, demeanor, or experience you should find another private investigator with who you are.

Questions to Ask Your Investigator

How long have you been in business?

How many cases of this nature have you handled?

What is your success rate with cases of this nature?

What are your rates and fees?

Will you provide me with a written contract?

Do you have experience testifying in court?

Do you take video of surveillance operations?

Can you perform covert surveillance as needed?

Can you provide a reference of an attorney you’ve worked for in the past?

Surveillance in Costa Rica

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How 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.

Once obtained and reviewed “a feel” for the subject and knowing his/her habits, the fieldwork, or surveillance, begins. While some private investigators hold themselves out to be surveillance experts, you know your spouse/partner better than they do. The more information that you can provide them, the better chance for success in the field.

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

With most private investigators it is common knowledge that the cheater is, generally, aware that someone may be watching or following him/her. Usually, this makes people become more aware of their surroundings while cheating. At times both the subject and the person who he/she is cheating with are both cheating, thus making it more difficult to follow them without being seen. Circumstances like these can make it more practical to use a second investigator. While this will increase the cost, using two investigators on surveillance diminishes the chance of being burnt during the surveillance or losing the subject in traffic. Most successful surveillance operations involve a two or more-person team. This is especially true 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.

If you have surveillance that needs to be conducted in Costa Rica, be sure you vet the Investigator you contact. There are only a few here and caution should be exercised, particularly with people that want you to send money via Western Union. Caution should also be exercised with people who have only been here for the past year or so. Some boast of their background, but few can back it up. Be especially cautious of people who hold themselves out as consultants. The ones I know are retirees and have no real practical experience in private investigation. Just because they worked for the government doesn’t make them good or reliable private investigators.

Missing Person in Costa Rica

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Someone is Missing in Costa Rica

Do not waste any time initiating an investigation. The longer you delay, the greater the chances that they may never be found.

Calls to investigate the disappearance of people who visit Costa Rica mostly have failed to find the missing person. The main reason for this was the lack of effort from the earliest known moment that the person went missing. Unlike the United States where there are all kinds of alerts for missing persons or endangered people, Costa Rica has no viable system in place to alert people of the missing person.

Why it is Important to Report someone missing in Costa Rica Immediately

Almost everyone here is busy scratching out a living. They really do not have time to stop what they are doing to volunteer for a search. Such was the case recently when a woman came up missing in Guanacaste under suspicious circumstances. We were not retained until three weeks after the initial disappearance. As far as I know, she is still missing.

Considerations

Having prior law enforcement experience I know the value of early response to a reported missing person. Because of earlier response time to such reports, many of the missing were located. Others who were found to be the victims of a crime, the early response assisted in bringing those responsible to justice.

In Costa Rica, law enforcement is understaffed and under-resourced. They lack the adequate resources and equipment to undertake a search for a missing person. Much of Costa Rica is endowed with lush tropical forests and jungles that lure many inexperienced and novice hikers. Unaware of the lack of cell communication once in these areas and being poorly equipped, many of the best hikers get lost.

Reality

Dangers in the jungles range from Jaguars to over thirty-nine species of poisonous snakes, not to mention crocodiles and scorpions. Medical response and medical facilities are spread out and it could take hours in some instances to get to a medical facility. Once there, of course, there is a concern that they will have the necessary equipment and staff to treat the injury.

Thus the need to report a missing person and contact someone here in Costa Rica to start looking for that person will play a vital part in finding and returning the missing person.

Prep for surveillance

Conducting Surveillance in Costa Rica

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

 

What is necessary

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

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

Case Review

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

Surveillance Targets

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

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

Private Investigator Qualities

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Private Investigator Qualities to look for before pulling the trigger hiring a private investigator. Indeed, private investigators have historically played a part in our childhood fascinations. Due to the many famous detective characters in modern literature, we have an idea of what one is. From Sherlock Holmes to Erin Brockovich. The acute observation and the unparalleled wit of these famous private investigators make the profession attractive to many. Always accompanied by a trusted detective make use of just their intellectual abilities to nab suspects. Among the many private investigators’ qualities that a detective should possess, here are some.

Private Investigator Qualities,  Knowledge:

A real-life detective gets a variety of assignments. They range from insurance fraud, extramarital affairs, theft, surveillance, and so on. Accordingly, private detectives should possess an extensive amount of knowledge and experience. This will help them to get the job done as quickly, smoothly, and efficiently as possible.

Stealth:

A detective needs to be as inconspicuous as possible. They cannot afford to demonstrate behavior or possess some characteristic that attracts unwanted attention. Especially in cases that require prolonged surveillance. Investigators have to work in an incognito mode in order to gather as much information as possible.

Courage:

This is a primary trait of private investigators. They should be really crafty and street-smart. A little bit of hustling abilities is needed in order to get out of tight situations. As detectives do not really have any so-called authoritative backing, they need their wit to get them out of sticky situations.

Trustworthiness:

Their profession demands that clients disclose delicate information. Detectives need to understand and respect the importance and trust the clients bestow by providing such information. Under no circumstances this information should not be disclosed in any manner. The profession demands that client secrets are kept and any disclosure amounts to serious credibility issues, even inviting lawsuits.

Decision Making:

This important trait rounds up the top quality of a private detective. The job sometimes creates situations that demand thinking on the feet. Quick decision-making abilities demand keeping short-term and long-term objectives in mind. Stable conclusions based on observations that would help to resolve the case need to be taken confidently.

The qualities needed to be a detective are many. But these are some of the essential characteristics that are a must for a successful foray into this interesting profession.

 

Cold Case Missing Persons in Costa Rica

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Cold Case Missing Persons in Costa Rica Private Investigations

Barbara Barbara Stuncova a Czech Republic citizen, has been missing from her residence in Tamarindo since December 5, 2010. According to sources close to Struncova, she attended a party with friends on the night of Dec. 4. She returned home around 1 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 5. She has not been seen since. On the night of Dec. 4, Struncova, 31, went to a party with several friends who were visiting from the Czech Republic. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, U.S. citizen Bill Ulmer. Ulmer who sources say returned home early from the party. He did so because he was frustrated by his inability to communicate with the Czech visitors. Struncova’s friends report that around 1 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 5, she returned to her residence. Barbara lived with Ulmer and four other roommates.

“At 1 a.m. that night we watched her walk inside the house,” said a source close to Struncova who asked to remain anonymous. “By 7 a.m. that morning, Dec. 5, Bill woke up and told us that Barbara had left with her friends. Alleging that, in the middle of the night she had gone to  the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.”

In the days following her disappearance, worried members of Struncova’s family contacted her friends in Tamarindo. The last time family members heard from her was Dec. 4.

Struncova’s belongings are still in her Tamarindo residence.

2. Cold Case Missing Persons in Costa Rica

Kim Paris When the family of Kim Paris contacted me it had been almost 11 days since her disappearance. She had allegedly left a note at the hotel (Latitude 10) where she and her husband Gabriel Orozco were resident managers. Kim allegedly told Gabriel she was going shopping. During my investigation, there were unverified spotting of Kim after the day of her disappearance.  Several things about this disappearance made me question the stories I had been told. The fact of the matter was if Kim was the victim of a crime there are almost limitless places to dispose of the body and cover any potential evidence and or witnesses. Lacking resources and assistance it was challenging to search the area and the locals were of no assistance.

Kim Paris is a dual citizen of France and Canada, moved to Santa Teresa from Montreal at the age of 33. She arrived with her boyfriend, Gabriel Orozco, whom she married in Costa Rica in January 2010.

The reason that I am posting this information again is in hopes that if someone stumbles across skeletal remains they remember this young woman who disappeared and has yet to be found. Also, this is in the same general area as the disappearance of Barbara mentioned above.

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

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