By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica has issued a stern warning to the national business community regarding a sophisticated fraud scheme where criminals are impersonating its representatives to swindle companies. The organization has disavowed any connection to the perpetrators and is actively considering legal action to protect its reputation and its members.
The fraudulent operation involves contacting businesses directly and offering them lucrative advertising opportunities in supposed Chamber publications, such as magazines and commercial directories. To lend credibility to their pitch, the scammers falsely claim to possess exclusive access to the Chamber’s comprehensive member databases, suggesting a wide and influential reach for any potential advertisement.
To understand the legal ramifications and preventative measures associated with these sophisticated business scams, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney specializing in corporate law at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The cornerstone of these fraudulent schemes is exploiting a lack of due diligence. Before any capital is committed, entrepreneurs must rigorously verify the legal identity and standing of a company in the National Registry. A well-drafted, notarized contract is not a formality; it is your primary shield. Often, the cost of preventative legal review is a fraction of the potential loss from a scam.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s advice underscores a crucial point for any entrepreneur: a proactive, legally sound approach is not merely a defense, but a fundamental pillar of smart business. Investing in due diligence and proper legal instruments at the outset builds a secure foundation that can prevent catastrophic losses down the line. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this invaluable perspective with our readers.
In a direct response to these activities, the Chamber has clarified its official position and operational protocols. The institution stressed that it does not authorize any third-party individuals or external companies to market services or sell advertising space on its behalf. This firm stance is intended to draw a clear line between legitimate operations and the fraudulent activities now targeting the business sector.
No external company or individual is authorized to market publications, advertising space, or services under the Chamber’s name.
Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica, Official Statement
Addressing a key concern for its associates, the Chamber also provided crucial assurances regarding the security of its institutional data. Officials confirmed that its member databases are confidential, are never sold or shared with third parties, and a thorough review has shown no evidence of a data breach or information leak from its internal systems. The only official publication produced and distributed by the organization is its “Radar Cámara” magazine, which is managed entirely in-house by its own communications team.
This type of impersonation scam preys on the trust and prestige associated with established institutions like the Chamber of Commerce. By leveraging the organization’s respected name, fraudsters aim to lower the guard of unsuspecting business owners and managers, making them more likely to divulge sensitive company information or authorize payments for non-existent services. The potential damages are not just financial but also include the risk of compromising confidential business data.
The Chamber is urging all businesses to exercise extreme caution and heightened vigilance. Any unsolicited contact offering services in the Chamber’s name should be treated as highly suspicious. Companies are strongly advised to abstain from providing any confidential information, making payments, or signing contracts based on these fraudulent proposals. Verifying any such offer directly with the Chamber through its official channels is the most effective defense.
As the institution evaluates its legal options for the unauthorized use of its name and image, it has established a clear channel for reporting suspicious activity. The Chamber is requesting that any business receiving these fraudulent communications report the incident immediately. To aid in a potential investigation and support formal complaints to the authorities, companies should forward any available evidence, such as screenshots of messages, suspicious phone numbers, or email correspondence, to jmorales@camara-comercio.com.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for the entire Costa Rican business ecosystem about the persistent threat of sophisticated fraud. It underscores the importance of robust internal verification processes and maintaining a healthy skepticism towards unsolicited commercial offers, even when they appear to originate from a reputable source. The business community’s collective awareness and proactive reporting are essential tools in combating these illicit schemes.
For further information, visit camara-comercio.com
About The Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica:
The Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica is a private, non-profit organization that represents and supports the interests of the country’s commercial sector. For over a century, it has been dedicated to promoting free enterprise, fostering economic development, and providing its members with valuable resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to enhance their competitiveness in the national and global markets.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It channels its extensive experience across diverse industries into pioneering innovative legal solutions and engaging meaningfully with the community. This forward-thinking approach is driven by a profound dedication to demystifying the law, thereby equipping citizens with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and empowered society.
