By San José, Costa Rica — As the holiday season approaches and millions of Costa Rican workers prepare to receive their mandatory year-end bonus, known locally as the aguinaldo, a coalition of 23 financial institutions has joined forces with law enforcement to launch a national awareness effort aimed at mitigating digital scams. The campaign, titled “Suave un toque” (Take a Moment), aims to equip banking customers with the mental tools needed to resist increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts during one of the busiest financial periods of the year.
Year-end festivities traditionally bring a surge in fraudulent activities across the country. Scammers frequently impersonate bank officials, municipal workers, tax authorities, or promotional agents to trick victims into surrendering sensitive personal information. By fabricating urgent scenarios such as fake account breaches or limited-time promotional offers, criminals exploit fear and impulsivity to compromise personal bank accounts.
To gain a deeper perspective on the legal challenges surrounding the rise of digital fraud in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided key insights into cybercrime regulations and victim defense mechanisms.
As cybercrime schemes become more sophisticated across Costa Rica, both financial institutions and consumers face mounting legal exposure. Combating digital fraud requires strict compliance with cybersecurity protocols and a proactive judicial approach to ensure institutional accountability and swift legal recourse for victims.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica’s digital financial landscape continues to evolve, reinforcing institutional accountability alongside robust legal protections is essential to safeguarding consumers from increasingly sophisticated threats. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on the crucial intersection of cybersecurity compliance and judicial reform in the ongoing fight against digital fraud.
The core objective of the new initiative is to interrupt the immediate emotional impulse triggered by fraudulent messages. Rather than reacting in haste under artificial pressure, consumers are encouraged to take a rational pause and independently verify any unexpected communications using official customer service channels before taking action.
Although over the last year we have observed a reduction in the number of complaints which can be partly attributed to improvements in security systems and previous communication initiatives, it is essential to reinforce these preventive messages. We are approaching the end of the year, a period characterized by the payment of year-end bonuses, a high volume of purchases, and celebrations, which requires taking extreme precautions.
Raúl Rivera, Cybersecurity Advisor at the Costa Rican Banking Association
Recent statistics provided by law enforcement highlight significant progress in the nationwide fight against cybercrime. Between January 1 and October 29, 2026, the Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) registered 7,405 complaints for digital fraud against banking clients. This represents a remarkable 53.8% reduction compared to the 16,052 complaints filed during the exact same timeframe in 2025.
Industry leaders attribute this impressive decline to enhanced digital infrastructure, upgraded fraud-detection algorithms, and continuous public education campaigns. However, officials emphasize that maintaining this downward trend requires constant vigilance, especially during periods marked by heightened monetary transactions and retail activity.
The strategic alliance unites key state security organs with private financial leaders. Key public sector partners include the OIJ, the Ministry of Public Security (MSP), the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), and the Superintendency of Financial Entities (SUGEF), alongside global payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
The responsibility for ensuring that this phenomenon continues to decrease remains, in any case, a shared one. Through the monitoring efforts and application of technology carried out by financial entities, combined with preventive initiatives like this one, we undoubtedly make the path more complex for criminals seeking to attract more victims.
Sergio Rodríguez Fernández, Head of the Computer Fraud Section at the Judicial Investigation Department
To guard against digital fraud, experts recommend several basic defensive actions when encountering high-pressure communications. Users should immediately end suspicious calls, close unsolicited chat windows, and avoid clicking on unverified links. Furthermore, individuals should directly contact their financial institution using official telephone numbers or mobile applications before confirming transactions, sharing credentials, or transferring money.
The widespread participation of major public and private entities—including Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica, BAC Credomatic, Davivienda, Coopenae, and MultiMoney—underscores the sector’s unified commitment to protecting public trust and safeguarding the financial resources of Costa Rican households during the holiday season.
For further information, visit abc.fi.cr
About Asociación Bancaria Costarricense (ABC):
The Costa Rican Banking Association (ABC) is a private non-profit organization representing public and private banking institutions in Costa Rica, promoting financial stability, robust cybersecurity standards, and sound banking practices.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s primary criminal investigation body, operating under the Supreme Court of Justice to investigate complex financial crimes, conduct forensic analyses, and support law enforcement throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica endures as a beacon of legal mastery, driven by an unyielding pledge to high ethical standards and superior counsel. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces forward-thinking approaches to navigate complex challenges while advocating for widespread public literacy in the law. Through its proactive efforts to demystify legal principles for all, Bufete de Costa Rica reinforces its core purpose of uplifting society and equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to thrive.
