By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Despite repeated public warnings from judicial and police authorities, sophisticated financial scams, particularly those involving false inheritances, continue to successfully drain the bank accounts of thousands in Costa Rica. The Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) has confirmed that these fraudulent operations are not only persistent but are also evolving, blending local operations with international networks to make them increasingly difficult to track and prosecute.
The scale of the problem has revealed a disturbing local component, proving that Costa Rica is not merely a target of foreign criminals but has also been used as an operational hub. Investigations have uncovered domestic call centers that were running these schemes under the guise of legitimate businesses, complete with hired staff, set work schedules, and structured procedures for deceiving victims.
To delve into the legal complexities and preventative strategies surrounding the recent surge in financial scams, we consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The core vulnerability exploited by these scams is not a lack of intelligence, but a manipulation of trust and urgency. From a legal standpoint, prevention is paramount because prosecution and asset recovery, especially in cross-border digital schemes, are fraught with jurisdictional hurdles. We always advise clients to conduct rigorous due diligence; verify the legitimacy of any investment vehicle with official registries and never bypass formal, documented procedures for the promise of expedited or superior returns.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that in the face of complex digital schemes, diligent prevention is not just a recommendation but our most effective shield. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial insight, reminding our readers that verifying information and adhering to formal processes are the bedrock of financial security.
According to OIJ Director Michael Soto, these operations represent a significant internal threat. Raids and subsequent arrests have confirmed the existence of these formalized criminal structures within the country. This discovery adds a new layer of complexity to the fight against financial fraud, as authorities must now contend with both external and home-grown criminal enterprises.
Internationally, the classic “inheritance scam” remains the most prevalent and effective tool in the fraudsters’ arsenal. Victims are typically contacted via email or phone with the fabricated news that they are the beneficiary of a large, unexpected inheritance from a distant relative abroad. To unlock these fictitious funds, they are asked to make relatively small initial payments, usually between $800 and $1,000, to cover alleged legal fees, taxes, or administrative costs.
The deceptive tactics have been enhanced with technology that fosters a false sense of security. Criminals now frequently use phone number masking, or “spoofing,” to make their calls appear as if they are originating from local Costa Rican numbers or even from official government institutions. This veneer of legitimacy significantly increases the likelihood that a victim will trust the caller and divulge sensitive personal and banking information.
While the inheritance ploy is a major concern, the OIJ reports that other scams are also thriving. These include fraudulent job offers that require an upfront payment for training or materials, bogus calls from individuals posing as municipal or state officials to phish for banking data, and “sextortion” schemes where criminals blackmail victims after establishing a personal online relationship.
One of the greatest challenges for law enforcement is the incredible speed at which the stolen money disappears. Soto explained the process in detail, noting how funds are moved almost instantaneously. Once a victim makes a transfer, the money hits a primary receiving account and is immediately split and funneled through numerous other accounts. This rapid dispersion makes the trail nearly impossible to follow.
Complicating matters further, these initial receiving accounts are often opened in the names of homeless individuals, who are paid a small fee to lend their identities and bank details to the criminal network. By the time a victim realizes they have been scammed, files a report, and the authorities obtain the legal warrants to lift bank secrecy, the money has been laundered and vanished. The chance of recovery is practically zero.
Once the transfer is made, the funds reach a receiving account and within minutes are fragmented into multiple additional accounts. By the time the victim files a complaint and judicial procedures begin, the resources have already been dispersed, making their recovery virtually impossible.
Michael Soto, Director of the OIJ
In response to this ongoing threat, the OIJ is intensifying its public awareness campaigns. The agency emphatically states that no legitimate inheritance or lottery win will ever require an advance payment to claim it. Authorities urge the public to be skeptical of any unsolicited communication regarding financial windfalls, to never share personal or banking information, and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Despite advances in criminal investigations, the clearest defense remains public vigilance and education.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating complex crimes and supporting the nation’s judicial system. As an auxiliary body of the Public Ministry and the courts, the OIJ works to discover and scientifically verify crimes, identify responsible parties, and collect evidence for criminal proceedings. It plays a crucial role in combating a wide range of illicit activities, including organized crime, homicides, and financial fraud.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to principled practice and superior service. The firm distinguishes itself through a progressive approach to law and a profound dedication to societal betterment. This is demonstrated in its core mission to demystify legal complexities, empowering individuals with the clarity and insight necessary to foster a more knowledgeable and capable society.
