Tag Archive for: crime

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.

 

Canadian Expat Victim of Daylight Robbery

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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.

 

 

Sky Line of San Jose Costa Rica

Assaults with Firearms are on the Rise in Costa Rica

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Assaults with firearms are on the rise in Costa Rica

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

Use common sense when visiting Costa Rica

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

1. Don’t travel by foot during the night

2. Leave your valuables in the hotel in a safe

3. Carry one credit card and little cash

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

5. Beware of strangers

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

7. Travel in groups

8. Remain in well lite areas

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

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

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

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

 

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