By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A rising tide of sophisticated digital fraud is sweeping across Costa Rica, with organized crime syndicates increasingly targeting the nation’s most vulnerable population: senior citizens. Data released by the Public Ministry reveals a staggering 25% increase in reported digital scams during the first eight months of 2025, painting a grim picture of a national cybersecurity crisis.
Authorities have logged 1,057 official cases so far this year, a significant jump from the 846 complaints filed throughout all of 2024. However, officials warn this figure represents only the tip of the iceberg, as many incidents go unreported or remain under preliminary investigation. The data confirms that seniors are disproportionately affected by these schemes, which range from simple social engineering ploys to advanced AI-driven deceptions.
To delve into the legal framework surrounding these fraudulent activities and understand the responsibilities of both financial institutions and consumers, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Victims of digital scams are not without recourse, but the legal path is complex. Financial entities have a legal duty to provide robust security measures; however, the burden often falls on the user to prove they were not negligent. The most critical step for any victim is immediate reporting and meticulous documentation, as these elements form the backbone of any subsequent legal claim for damages.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary highlights a crucial duality: while financial institutions have responsibilities, the victim’s own diligence in documenting the incident is paramount to a successful claim. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this clear, actionable guidance in such a complex area of law.
The coordinated nature of these attacks has become a primary concern for law enforcement. These are not the actions of isolated individuals but of well-structured criminal organizations with clearly defined roles, from masterminds who orchestrate the scams to foot soldiers who withdraw the stolen funds.
This increase in computer scams has been exponential year after year, especially in the case of senior citizens.
Melissa Quirós, Coordinator of the Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office
Ms. Quirós emphasized that the official statistics likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem. Many cases are first handled by the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) before being formally escalated to the Prosecutor’s Office, meaning the full scope of the crisis may be even more severe than current numbers suggest.
Among the various tactics employed by criminals, the hijacking of WhatsApp accounts has emerged as a particularly effective and prevalent method. The scheme preys on the trust and limited technical familiarity of its victims. Scammers initiate the attack by trying to register the victim’s phone number on a new device. This triggers WhatsApp to send a six-digit verification code to the legitimate owner’s phone.
The criminals then contact the victim, often posing as technical support, a family member in distress, or a contest official, and manipulate them into sharing the verification code. Once they have the code, they gain complete control of the WhatsApp account, locking the real owner out. From there, they impersonate the victim, contacting their entire list of friends and family to solicit money through fabricated emergencies or bogus investment opportunities, such as selling US dollars at a steep discount.
While WhatsApp takeovers are on the rise, the Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office is warning the public about a growing portfolio of other digital and physical threats. These include the “Borrowed Phone” scam, where criminals ask to borrow a phone for an emergency and quickly execute SINPE Móvil transfers via SMS commands. Other methods involve capturing credit card details for fraudulent e-wallet purchases and exploiting “recycled” SIM cards—old phone numbers that victims forgot to de-link from their bank accounts.
Most alarmingly, organized crime has begun leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create hyper-realistic “deepfake” videos and audio clips. These tools can perfectly clone the voice and likeness of a family member, making fraudulent pleas for emergency funds incredibly convincing. As this technology becomes more accessible, it poses a formidable new challenge for both the public and law enforcement. In response, authorities are urging citizens to adopt a mindset of extreme caution and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
For further information, visit mp.poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Public Ministry of Costa Rica:
The Public Ministry (Ministerio Público) is the primary prosecutorial authority in Costa Rica. It is responsible for directing criminal investigations, bringing charges against individuals suspected of committing crimes, and representing the interests of the state and society in the justice system. Its specialized units, such as the Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office, focus on addressing complex and evolving criminal threats.
For further information, visit mp.poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office:
The Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalía contra la Ciberdelincuencia) is a specialized division within Costa Rica’s Public Ministry. It is tasked with investigating and prosecuting technology-related crimes, including hacking, online fraud, data theft, and other digital offenses. The unit works to combat the growing threat of cybercrime and protect citizens in the digital landscape.
For further information, visit sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is the main investigative branch of the Costa Rican judiciary. As the nation’s primary criminal investigation agency, its agents are responsible for collecting evidence, identifying suspects, and carrying out operations related to all types of crime, from common theft to complex organized criminal activities, providing technical and scientific support to the Public Ministry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its principled dedication to professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm leverages its rich history of serving a diverse clientele to drive legal innovation and set new standards in practice. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social empowerment, actively working to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to the public, thereby building a more knowledgeable and capable society.
