Tag Archive for: detective costa rica

Scam Alert For Costa Rica

New Scams in costa rica

This is a new scam alert for Costa Rica. The scammers are calling ex-pats posing as workers from the Embassy. This scam alert for Costa Rica has been documented by the U.S. Embassy. The scammers start the conversation with the assertion that the Embassy is updating its records on American citizens.  The scammers then ask for personal information to verify and update the records. If you didn’t know already, the U.S. calls no one.

We are here to assist you in understanding the threat and to lend assistance to those who may have been victimized. As the leading private investigator in Costa Rica, we try and keep you abreast of recent scams.

 

Scams in Costa Rica Rising

This scam alert for Costa Rica, according to the U.S. Embassy is they do not call anyone to ask for this type of information. According to the Embassy, “ The United States Embassy reminds American citizens that Embassy staff will not initiate calls to U.S. citizens. “

ACTIONS TO TAKE:

Another case recently centered around the purchase of a car that was posted on Facebook. The buyer identified himself as an American living in Guanacaste and sent the seller a copy of his passport. Unbeknownst to the buyer, when the seller saw the name she recognized it from her friends list on her Facebook account. She sent him an instant message telling him she didn’t realize it was him who wanted to buy the car. He told her he had not inquired about a car and in fact was in southeast Asia.

Deception happens

Infidelity in Costa Rica

The things to know about Infidelity in Costa Rica

Deception happensAny infidelity investigation of a cheating spouse or partner is difficult under ideal circumstances. The challenges and obstacles we face while doing such an investigation in Costa Rica are difficult at best. Infidelity in Costa Rica is the norm rather than the exception. Then there are the feelings of betrayal, guilt, and doubt that are very overwhelming, resulting in confusion and lack of good judgment. If  you believe you could be the victim of adultery or infidelity in Costa Rica you need a  professional and reliable private investigator to uncover the factual truth, is worth the investment to do so.  A professional and reliable Costa Rica private investigator is experienced to conduct a discreet surveillance and gather evidence that can be used in court to prove infidelity.

I can’t think of anyone that enters a relationship with the expectation that infidelity will rear its ugly head. Regrettably, infidelity and adultery is all too common. According to many sources, more than 40% of marriages have one if not both spouses admitting to either physical or emotional infidelity.

What is an Infidelity Investigation?

Infidelity in Costa Rica surveillance investigations involve discreetly following an individual suspected to be cheating and obtaining photographic or video evidence for divorce, child custody, or other legal proceedings, or simply for the client’s “peace of mind”.

With the advent and increased use of social media, It can also involve researching Facebook, Instagram or  other social media platforms, dating profiles, and taking witness statements to establish the cheating.

In other words, during the course of an infidelity investigation, your investigator will do whatever is necessary within legal and ethical boundaries to obtain you the evidence you need.

Warning Signs of Infidelity in Costa Rica

There are a variety of behaviors that may indicate a cheating partner. It’s important to remember that there may be other reasonable explanations for any of these behaviors, however, if you observe any combination of the following behaviors, then it may be time to investigate:

  • Unusual or frequent trips to Costa Rica alone or with “buddies”
  • Spending more time “out with friends” or acting like he/she is single.
  • Dressing better than usual, especially when going out without you.
  • Seems bored or disinterested with children, family activities, etc.
  • Diminished sex drive and excuses to avoid sexual intercourse.
  • Diminished interest in communicating or spending time with you.
  • New password protection of phone, computer or other devices.
  • Acting excessively protecting of their cell phone.
  • Getting new credit cards
  • Small lies and omissions.
  • Removing pictures of you or family from cell phone or wallet.
  • Becoming defensive when asked about time spent away from the homeRica

 Staring an Infidelity Investigation in Costa Rica, Here’s how the process works:

Obtain a Free Consultation:

  1. Utilize our chat feature or call via our toll free phone to talk to a Mr. Gear. He will help you understand if and how a surveillance investigation can achieve your goals, and the estimated cost of your case.
  1. Mr. Gear will then want the following questions answered. You should be prepared to answer questions like:
  • What is your relationship to the person being investigated?
  • How long have you been in a relationship?
  • What makes you believe they are being unfaithful?
  • Do you have recent photographs of the person?
  • Do you know what airline will be used and the flight number?
  • Is he travelling with someone, if so do you have pictures of them?
  • Do you know who they may be having an affair with?
  • When do you want the investigation to begin?
  • Do you know where the person will be during the investigation?
  • Are you working with an attorney?
  • Will this evidence be used in a current legal case?
Investigation in Progress:
  1. Once approved by you, Mr. Gear and his agents will begin the investigation. At the heart of any infidelity investigation is direct surveillance of the suspected spouse.

Investigators may follow the person as far as is necessary and within limits of the surveillance and gather photographic and/or video evidence. Because of the nature of these surveillance, cases usually start at a minimum of 10 hours of investigative time.

  1. Case Updates & Final Report: Mr. Gear will keep you informed of any and all important developments throughout the course of your adultery surveillance investigation, and provide you with a final report summarizing all findings at the conclusion of the investigation.

Additionally, Mr. Gear will be available to testify in court if necessary and agreed upon at the beginning of the investigation.

Privacy and discretion is a top priority and therefore all communications between clients and investigators will be kept in strict confidence.

What Investigators Will Not Do

Mr. Gear and his agents will adhere to the law and all  ethical standards during all stages of the investigation. We will not attempt to access any legally restricted records or data, or trespass onto private property without permission.

Reasons for Hiring a Costa Rica P.I.

Here are some reasons for hiring a Costa Rica P.I.

International asset search

Here are some reasons for hiring a Costa Rica P.I.. Indeed divorces and legal cases are so common today, they are almost hard to avoid. But, there are other reasons when an asset might be important as well, such as part of a merger or international due diligence to verify a buyer or potential partner. Lawyers, individuals and companies use private investigators to find assets overseas. I know as I have found both bank accounts and physical property. Divorce and family law investigations if you suspect your spouse is cheating or hiding important information or assets from you. There are ways to tell if your spouse is hiding assets and a reputable private investigator can access records such as bank accounts you don’t know about or follow a spouse who has become distant to see if he or she is cheating. Before you hire someone, remember that a private investigator can help your attorney uncover evidence, if and when needed.

Infidelity investigations

Not knowing if your spouse is having an affair is a painful and devastating thing. Private investigators help with these unfortunate situations every day. A Costa Rica private Investigator can discreetly find out facts and information and uncover the truth so you know whether or not your spouse is guilty of infidelity. There is no evidence like photograph and video evidence from surveillance footage on your partner.

Dating background checks

Whether you met your Mr. or Ms. Perfect online or offline, these days it pays to be cautious. Accordingly, these are other reasons for hiring a Costa Rica P.I. How do you know the individual you met over the internet, or at a bar, is truly who he or she claims to be? You don’t. Clients rely on private investigation companies to conduct a comprehensive dating background check that verifies education, employment, address, criminal and court records, ID or passport, date of birth and more. Investigators also screen the case for fraud and identify risks.

Fraud/embezzlement investigations

You may wonder, should your company use background check investigations? The answer is yes — it can help prevent future problems. All too often, businesses find themselves in a situation where assets are missing, books weren’t kept accurately or bribes have been taken. P.I.s can determine if assets were fictitious, improper payments were made or whether there were other misrepresentations. Private investigators can also track down the guilty party through background checks, and asset searches uncover the money trail.

Romance scam risk

Now Online dating is a booming industry, consequently it has come a source of fraud and scams. Posting profiles and photos is simply and fast, and anyone can do it – even criminals hoping to scam you. Victims of romance scams lose more than money. Victims are often devastated financially and emotionally. Comprehensive background checks by real investigators are the best prevention to avoid dating scams. The truth is, anyone can be a victim and no dating site is 100% immune from romance scams. A Costa Rica P.I. can verify the truth behind the profile.

Employment or personal background check

If you hiring or dating internationally or even locally, false CV and backgrounds do occur and put your company at risk. Companies who are serious about protecting themselves and hiring only the best take these verifications seriously. Checking criminal records alone is not a prudent verification method, and certainly not an investigation. Professional investigators verify employment candidates in detail, and determine if the individual is competent and qualified, before

Business background check

A business, like a person, has a past and a culture and interacts with many people every day. However what you see may not truly mirror what the business is all about. Private investigators can research and investigate and deliver evidence that you’re doing business with a reputable entity.

Child custody case

You’re probably looking for tips on how to win custody of your child. To win a child custody case, you must uncover facts that are compelling – and admissible — in court. Private investigators can serve as a witness in a case and prove facts that are tough to prove on your own. Even a potentially difficult case can turn into a simple one at trial with the right facts and evidence.

Identity theft risk

Identity theft happens when a person’s personal information is stolen and the criminal then commits fraud or theft under that person’s identity. Unfortunately, investigators say identify theft is only getting worse — millions of dollars are lost every year as a result of identity theft – and hundreds of dollars and countless hours are spent trying to repair victims’ credit. Private investigators can help determine who stole your identity and can create a report for you to take to law enforcement. More importantly, expert investigators can advise how not to be a victim.

Document verification

Let’s say your case is fairly simple, and you have a copy of a passport, ID or documents that you need to verify the authenticity of. Despite your efforts, there is no way for your to verify if the document is real, and it may not even be in a language you can read. Luckily, international investigators verify passports, identifications and documents from around the world on a daily basis.

Pre Marital Checks

Marriage is a big deal, especially if it involves a foreign bride or groom. Don’t start the visa process without knowing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! An expert investigator can verify everything you know or think you know about an individual, before the wedding.

Investment scam risk

Investment scams these days, unfortunately, are a dime a dozen. Fraudulent websites, false companies and endless possibilities now target individuals and companies. High risk fraud zones are in countries like China and the United Arab Emirates, etc, but the threat is now global thanks to the internet. Costa Rica is rife with scammers and it behooves you to conduct a thorough due diligence before you sign anything. It’s more important than ever to properly verify with international due diligence.

Safe international hiring

For companies hiring here the reasons for hiring a Costa Rica P.I. who specialize in international cases can help a company or client develop a customized strategy to properly verify candidates. This goes beyond your standard international background checks, and can be a great solution for companies and individuals who need to know what they should verify, based on their unique situation and risk.A professional private investigator offers many reliable services to help in many situations – from criminal cases to infidelity to background checks. Just make sure you do your homework and deal with a company you can trust, with highly trained investigators on the ground where you need them. Services offered and quality of services vary dramatically from one company to the next.

Employment background check

If you hiring internationally or even locally, false CV and backgrounds do occur and put your company at risk. Companies who are serious about protecting themselves and hiring only the best take these verifications seriously. Checking criminal records alone is not a prudent verification method, and certainly not an investigation. Professional investigators verify employment candidates in detail, and determine if the individual is competent and qualified, before you commit.

Personal injury investigation

A private investigator knows the ways to win your personal injury lawsuit. He or she can find key witnesses and other information essential to win the case. A skilled professional can find photographs of the crash when the crash report is incomplete. Make sure to obtain the police transcription of the 911 calls too – sometimes he or she is the only witness.

Insurance fraud claims

Insurance fraud happens when an act is committed with the intent to obtain a benefit in which a person is not otherwise entitled. False insurance claims are filed with the intent to defraud an insurance provider and they cost billions of dollars each year. Insurance fraud claims range from stretching the truth to committing intentional damages or injury. Private investigators can help identify the truth. We photograph those suffering from leg injuries playing basketball, and so on. In some cases, investigators may even photograph a living person, who is supposed to be deceased!

 

Costa Rica Investigator

Hiring a Costa Rica Private Investigator

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?

My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone

My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone?

Many women have called me with a suspicion. They ask me; “My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone ” should I be concerned? Here is a compilation of some of the signs of a husband that may be cheating.  These observations only indicate conduct of a cheating husband. They are not absolutes!  If your husband exhibits one or two of these traits, and there is a legitimate reason and a mutual agreement (such as the two of you agree to try to lose weight, he gets a little obsessive about it), this by and of itself does NOT indicate infidelity.  As an experienced Private Investigator, I have seen many forms of deception.

Listen to your Intuition;

Why My Husband is in Costa Rica, Alone?

However, when you observe several, or many, of these traits, your marriage may be in jeopardy.  Most of this is based on many years of surveilling cheaters. I have established a pretty good idea of traits that indicate an affair. Especially in Costa Rica. For example, the pretext to the wife that there is a group going on a fishing trip in Jaco. Jaco is now the hotbed for sex tourism in Costa Rica. The chances of infidelity increase exponentially if your spouse goes to or near Jaco.

Obvious Clue: Why is he in Costa Rica without you?

Many of my clients call and ask about surveillance of their husband. I have heard all kinds of stories. The most pressing question, every woman should have is, why is he there without me. Or, alternatively, why does he go there regularly?


Clue # 1–Gut Instinct:

  • A sure sign of a cheating spouse; is having to ask that question in the first place.
  • Your husband or wife stops confiding in you and seeking advice from you.
  • Your intuition (gut feeling) tells you that something is not right.
  • You find intimate apparel or other small gift-type items that are gifts for someone else.

Clue # 2–Traits That Are Not Their Usual Personality:

  • When your partner shows up without their wedding ring. He suddenly stops wearing it and makes lame excuses as to why. This also goes for jewelry you might have purchased for him and you see them not wearing it when they go out when normally they wear it at all time.
  • When they change their normal routine at work and home for no apparent reason; unusual behavior.
  • When he becomes suddenly forgetful. You have to tell him/her everything several times; their thoughts are obviously elsewhere.
  • When they appear distant, show a lack of interest, or demonstrate unexplained aloofness.
  • When his behavior just doesn’t “add up”.
  • When your wife sleeps with her cell phone. Alternatively, when your husband sneaks out of the house.
  • When your husband suddenly becomes combative or argumentative. He completely ignores you and not listening to what you are saying.
  • When they tell you to get out more and promote out of town excursions.
  • When your husband intentionally looks at or flirts with the opposite sex.

Costa Rica Surveillance Services

I have todeve;opedosta Rica Surveillance Services

Finding Costa Rica Surveillance Services can be a challenge. Many who advertise or blog on the web are not here. I have learned these sites farm out services to less than competent or professional investigators. I have the practice, skill and experience acquired during my career as law enforcement detective. Cody L Gear and Associates has forged an entirely new form of surveillance services.  Therefore, I use latest methods and technologies meaning that there are few scenarios or locations in which I cannot capture. I have  operatives that are renowned for their ability to get closer, to take longer and better footage. Resulting, in a manner that is virtually undetectable, thus providing the highest level of discretion.

If you want success be proactive

Our surveillance services include the use of encrypted original footage. Thus, ensuring compliance with the civil rules of procedure for evidence gathering and storage procedures. I am fully compliant with the new hybrid civil / criminal evidence format, our evidence is  admitted in court. This results in the majority used primarily civil cases.

Admisabilty

The result by following such procedures we insure that the evidence we obtain can be used in court. I am confident the extent and quality of our surveillance cases are changing the way personal injury fraud is prosecuted. Furthermore. it is no coincidence that two of the most important recent cases in relation to personal injury fraud both relied upon our evidence. I am one of a few firms to offer a complete and reliable capture of proof that you need.

Additionally, I can travel to the United States to testify.  I have to testify to authenticate the evidence for it to be admissible in court. Additionally I use the latest state of the art equipment and techniques to accomplish our mission. Such equipment includes night vision and stealth cameras. We also use remote video cameras that allow us to conduct surveillances for extended periods of time.

Surveillance Takes Time and Patience

Targets of surveillance Never perform on cue! It is a matter of perseverance and being in the right place at the right time to capture the indiscretion. If you suspect your significant other is being unfaithful and you have advance notice of the travel plans to Costa Rica, call us and allow us to assist you with a strategy to accomplish your objectives.

Surveillance in Costa Rica

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.

Real Estate Fraud Plagues Costa Rica

Costa Rica Real Estate Fraud

Real Estate fraud plagues Costa Rica. Recently, that police arrested four persons in connection with a $50 million dollar Real Estate fraud. According to numerous news sources the four arrested are lawyers and Notaries. In Costa Rica all notaries have to be licensed attorneys. The documents that pass through National Registry must be notarized. Since most land purchases are purchased in a Costa Rica Corporation the transaction must be notarized. Generally, attorneys are given power of attorneys over the transactions. In contrast to the United States, a notary cannot notarize a conveyance to which he is a party. Here that is not the case.

Temptation

With that kind of power, it is easy and tempting to do something less than honest or correct. In this particular case according to the news source, the victim is an elderly German woman. She appears to have lost ownership of her properties in southern Costa Rica due to inappropriate paperwork. Although the accused have yet to be identified the police are saying that have arrested a 61-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man in Alajuelita. Also arrested were a 37-year-old woman in Cartago and a 60-year-old man in Coronado. According to police documents the crimes allegedly happened between 2010 and 2012.

The latest reports

The two persons arrested in Alajuelita are also notaries but are not active now. The pair is charged with improperly administering the woman’s property in Punta Uva and Bahía Ballena, which is located in the southwestern area of the country. According to police documents, both had access to $5 million in cash.
The suspects that were arrested lived in Cartago and Coronado and are active notaries. Police said that they assisted in the creation of 19 corporations that play a role in the fraud. Police alleged that the suspects tricked the elderly woman into signing papers so that she lost the properties.
Agents also reported that when they searched the offices of the suspects they found two unregistered pistols.

Keep in mind there are no licensing requirements to regulate Real Estate agents

Finding a Person, Place or Thing in Costa Rica

 Persons, Places, and Things in Costa Rica

Finding a Person, Place or Thing in Costa Rica? Hunting for a missing person, or simply trying to locate someone? Need to find an address or asset in Costa Rica? Whatever the reasons are for looking, you have come to the right place. For fast, reliable, trustworthy, and affordable professional help in locating someone, we can help. Searching for a location in Costa Rica? A bigger challenge than most realize. Trying to recover an asset? Costa Rica is rife with fraud and the laws here actually help the scammers hide assets.  There are many reasons why you may need to locate someone, find a place or locate a thing.

We are not a database mill

I am not a “People Finder Instant Search” database company that provides you with old, outdated public record information. We are a professional private investigation agency physically located in Costa Rica (Not Nicaragua) that specializes in finding people, quickly and cost-effectively. I have access to data, resources, and other information that allow us to get you the result you want, not excuses. Why pay someone who is not here to find the information you already have? When you work with the private investigators in our firm, you will find that the more information you have about the target, the less it will cost you. Our basic locate investigations take as little as three 3hours of investigative time and fewer than 50% take more than that amount to complete. Of course verification of the location and identifying the target as being there have added costs.

Obviously, some people are more difficult to locate than others.  Costa Rica is known as the land of the wanted and the unwanted. Those wanted by law enforcement, hiding from creditors, drug users, and others require more work to locate than the average person. We encourage you to tell us as much as possible about the person we are trying to locate ahead of time. This allows us to give you an accurate perspective of the time and cost required. As the most trusted private investigator in Costa Rica, we have reunited adoptees with their birth parents. Likewise, we have, located people that are in need of medical assistance. In some cases located missing persons, are either the victim of a drowning or of a crime.

We have investigated the disappearance of people due to suspicious circumstances. We have assisted in, and, the recovery of the remains when they have fell victim to a crime or a drowning. It is reported that there are more deaths here from drowning than from automobile accidents. The Government here is not user-friendly and getting assistance to look for someone is difficult at best.

What makes our missing person and people locate services stand out from the crowd?

  • Our firm is a Private Investigator Agency, not a database search company
  • We provide 50 years of professional experience and judgment
  • We tell you where all of the information we provide came from
  • There will be an actual investigator to speak with about your locate investigation
  • Our locate investigations are conducted by investigators, not databases.
  • You will be given a detailed report of our findings
  • Our relationship with you is strictly CONFIDENTIAL

If you find that you need more than just a simple locate or person search, our background check services will give you all the information you will need about someone’s background. Our firm is a full-service private detective agency able to bring the full assets of our agency, with international and domestic resources, to the table.

Missing Persons in Costa Rica

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.