Avoiding Costa Rica Scams: A Comprehensive Guide

Costa Rica is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, warm climate, and friendly locals. However, like any other place in the world, it is not immune to scams and fraud. In fact, during the pandemic, the number of scams has increased, and criminals have become more specialized and streamlined in their tactics. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the most common scams in Costa Rica and how to avoid them. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to protect yourself from Costa Rica scams.

It’s impossible to list all of the tricks devised by criminals to achieve their goals since the possibilities are as vast as the imagination. That said, we can determine the main characteristics of scams and the scamming procedures that stand out as among the most common in Costa Rica.

Phishing has been the preferred method of fraudsters. This is a technique in which scammers impersonate security officials, relatives, and payment and banking platforms to steal sensitive information or money. Strategies vary and always include contact via phone, email, private messages on social media, or SMS. Some of the most common tactics are:

False bank or municipal officials

Scammers commonly contact victims by phone to warn them about a sensitive situation or to reward them. They will say that it is not necessary to give them any personal data. Instead, they will send an email or text message with a link that will allow them to steal your data.

Fake employer

Criminals create profiles on social media networks to offer fake jobs and gain access to their victims’ information, either at the time of the job application or by contacting them later to tell them that they have been hired and that it is necessary to provide their data to continue with the process.

Digital Signature

In this case, scammers call their target to indicate that they can obtain their digital signature without leaving home, despite this procedure being in person. They tell them it is only necessary to visit an almost identical website to a bank page and follow the steps indicated.

Other techniques used by criminals do not necessarily include identity fraud. Many of the most serious scams include common actions that, in the face of carelessness or overconfidence, leave the victim compromised.

False buyer, false seller

This scam can occur when someone buys a product online or from a door-to-door salesperson. Sometimes, the seller might take payment in advance for products or services they never intend to provide. Alternatively, a buyer might send false proof of payment or claim that a product was not received in order to receive a refund or other compensation. To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s important only to make purchases from reputable sellers or websites and never to send money or provide personal information unless you are confident that the transaction is legitimate.

Fake lottery tickets and fake checks

Fake lottery tickets and fake checks are common scams in Costa Rica that often target tourists. Scammers will approach their victims and inform them that they have won a lottery prize or a large sum of money, but in order to claim the prize, the victim must pay a small fee or provide their personal information. Once the victim pays the fee or provides their information, the scammer disappears, and the victim never receives the promised prize. It’s important to remember that legitimate lotteries and contests will never ask for payment or personal information in order to claim a prize. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Identity theft

Identity theft is a common scam in Costa Rica, especially among tourists. Scammers can use various methods to steal personal information, such as mail, hacking into an email or social media accounts, or using skimming devices on ATMs or credit card machines. Once they have your information, they can use it to make unauthorized purchases or open new credit accounts in your name. To protect yourself from identity theft, be sure to keep your personal information secure, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, and report any fraudulent activity to the authorities immediately.

Immigration procedures

Criminals offer services to obtain legal immigration status in the country by posing as immigration employees, recognized companies, or by offering related services.

How to Identify and Avoid a Scam Unfortunately, scammers prey on our emotions and manipulate our trust and fears to take advantage of us. Even so, scams share some characteristics that can help you determine if the interaction is anomalous.

Typically, scammers create a sense of urgency. Whatever the fraudster is warning you about or reporting is urgent and requires immediate action. In addition, the scammer will almost always contact you and may come across as overly nice, respectful, and even innocent.

How to Identify and Avoid a Scam

Unfortunately, scammers prey on our emotions and manipulate our trust and fears to take advantage of us. Even so, scams share some characteristics that can help you determine if the interaction is anomalous.

Typically, scammers create a sense of urgency. Whatever the fraudster is warning you about or reporting is urgent and requires immediate action. In addition, the scammer will almost always contact you and may come across as overly nice, respectful, and even innocent.

To avoid falling victim to a scam, it’s essential to be vigilant and exercise caution when interacting with individuals or organizations you are not familiar with. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages. Never give out personal or financial information unless you are absolutely sure of the legitimacy of the person or organization requesting it.

Additionally, always verify the identity of the individual or organization before proceeding with any transaction or information sharing. You can research the person or organization online or contact the relevant authorities for confirmation.

If you have fallen victim to a scam

If you have fallen victim to a scam, taking immediate action is essential. The first step is to report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency or the OIJ. You should also consider contacting your bank or credit card company to report fraudulent charges or unauthorized transactions. It’s essential to keep all documentation related to the scam, including emails, phone messages, and any other evidence of the scam. While it may be difficult to recover any lost funds, taking these steps can help prevent further damage and alert others to the scam. Remember, the best defense against scams is to stay informed and vigilant.

In conclusion

It is important to be aware of the various scams and frauds prevalent in Costa Rica to protect yourself from falling victim to them. Scammers can be persuasive and often prey on people’s emotions and trust. By understanding the most common tactics used by scammers, you can take steps to avoid becoming a victim. Always be cautious when providing personal information, especially online or over the phone, and never send money or pay a fee without verifying the legitimacy of the request. With vigilance and awareness, you can enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer without the worry of falling victim to scams.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to Costa Rica scams and ensure your experience in this beautiful country remains safe and enjoyable.

-Co-written by Johanna Alvarez (Immigration expert) and Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap).

[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common scams in Costa Rica?

Common scams in Costa Rica include fake police officers, taxis, and timeshare scams. Other common scams include overcharging tourists for goods or services and fraudulent activities related to rental properties.

What should I do if I’ve been scammed in Costa Rica?

If you’ve been scammed in Costa Rica, you should report the incident to the local police and your embassy. You may also want to contact your credit card company to dispute fraudulent charges.

Are there any scams related to Costa Rica vacation rentals?

Yes, there have been reports of scams related to vacation rentals in Costa Rica. Some scammers will advertise properties that do not exist or that are not actually available for rent. It’s important to use a reputable rental agency to verify the property’s availability before sending any money.

Are there any common scams related to Costa Rica tours and activities?

Yes, there have been reports of scams related to tours and activities in Costa Rica. Some scammers will advertise tours or activities that do not actually exist or that are not as advertised. It’s important to use a reputable tour company and verify the tour’s details or activity before sending any money.

What should I do if someone tries to sell me something on the street in Costa Rica?

Be wary if someone tries to sell you something expensive on the street in Costa Rica. While some street vendors are legitimate, others may be trying to scam tourists. Avoid giving out personal information and not buying anything unless you are sure it is legitimate.

Are there any common scams related to Costa Rica real estate?

Yes, there have been reports of scams related to real estate in Costa Rica. Some scammers will advertise properties that do not exist or that are not actually for sale. It’s important to use a reputable real estate agent to verify the property’s ownership before sending any money.

Is it safe to use my credit card in Costa Rica?

Yes, using your credit card in Costa Rica is generally safe. However, you should be aware of potential scams related to credit card fraud, such as skimming devices at ATMs or restaurants. Be sure to monitor your account for any fraudulent charges and report any suspicious activity to your credit card company immediately.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

If you think you’ve been scammed, stop all communication with the scammer and report it to the appropriate authorities. You should also contact your bank or credit card company to report any unauthorized transactions.

Can I get my money back if I’ve been scammed?

In most cases, recovering money lost to a scam is difficult. However, if you act quickly and report the scam to the appropriate authorities, there is a chance that some or all of your money can be recovered.

How can I protect myself from scams?

To protect yourself from scams, be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for personal information or money, and never give out sensitive information without verifying the legitimacy of the request. You should also regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions and use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.

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