By San José, Costa Rica — November ushers in a highly anticipated season for consumers, marked by the massive promotional events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As millions of shoppers across the country prepare to hunt for the best deals online, a parallel and more sinister industry is also gearing up for its busiest time of the year. Cybercriminals are poised to exploit the frenzied shopping environment, deploying sophisticated digital scams designed to part unsuspecting consumers from their money and personal data.
With online commercial activity set to spike, experts are issuing urgent warnings for shoppers to exercise extreme caution. The flurry of discounts and limited-time offers creates a perfect storm for fraudulent activity, where the excitement of a bargain can easily cloud a consumer’s judgment. The tactics used by these digital predators are becoming increasingly difficult to spot, ranging from convincing fake websites to targeted phishing campaigns that mimic legitimate retailers.
To understand the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities companies face in the current digital landscape, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT department concern; it is a fundamental pillar of corporate legal compliance and risk management. In Costa Rica, under Law No. 8968 on the Protection of the Person against the Processing of their Personal Data, businesses have a stringent legal obligation to safeguard information. A data breach is not merely a technical failure but a legal one, potentially triggering significant regulatory fines, civil lawsuits, and irreparable reputational damage. Proactive legal counsel to establish robust data protection policies and incident response plans is not a luxury, but an essential investment in the company’s survival.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a critical paradigm shift: cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT function but a core tenet of corporate governance and legal diligence. For any enterprise operating under Costa Rican law, ignoring this reality is to invite not just technical chaos, but significant legal and financial peril. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential aspect of modern business survival.
Rolando Rojas Coto, a leading expert on the front lines of this digital battle, emphasizes that prevention is the most effective defense. As the Head of Technological Infrastructure at the Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies (DTIC) of the State University at a Distance (UNED), Rojas Coto has a clear message for the public: vigilance is non-negotiable during this high-stakes shopping period.
During November, many platforms and businesses offer attractive discounts, but it is also a time when fraud attempts increase. The key is to stay alert, stay informed, and apply good practices to protect personal and financial information.
Rolando Rojas Coto, Head of Technological Infrastructure at UNED’s Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies (DTIC)
One of the most common traps involves fraudulent emails and suspicious links. Cybercriminals often send out mass emails or social media messages advertising “unbeatable” deals. Clicking on these links can lead to malicious websites designed to steal credit card information or install malware on your device. Rojas advises consumers to never click directly on promotional links. Instead, if an offer seems interesting, shoppers should open a new browser window and navigate directly to the official website of the retailer to verify its authenticity.
The allure of an extraordinary discount is a powerful tool for scammers. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, such as brand-new flagship electronics for 90% off. These offers are almost always bait. Fraudsters create elaborate fake e-commerce sites that look nearly identical to well-known retailers. Always verify the website’s URL begins with “https://” — the ‘s’ signifies a secure, encrypted connection. Furthermore, take a moment to research unfamiliar stores, looking for reviews or complaints before making a purchase.
Protecting your financial instruments is paramount. Experts strongly recommend using secure payment platforms like PayPal, which add a layer of protection between the seller and your financial data. If using a credit card, ensure it is covered by a digital fraud protection plan. Using debit cards for online purchases is generally discouraged, as a compromise gives criminals direct access to your bank account funds, which can be much harder to recover than fraudulent credit card charges.
Your personal devices and home network are the gateways to your digital life and must be properly secured. Performing transactions on public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes or airports, is extremely risky as they are often unencrypted and easily monitored by criminals. Always conduct financial transactions on a trusted, secure network. Additionally, keep your computer and smartphone operating systems updated with the latest security patches and enable two-factor authentication on all sensitive accounts for an essential extra layer of defense.
The threat doesn’t end once the purchase is made. Scammers are also known to send fake package tracking notifications via text or email. These messages may claim there is a problem with your delivery and ask you to click a link to resolve it, which again leads to a phishing site. Finally, Rojas stresses the importance of regularly monitoring your bank and credit card statements. Activate transaction alerts with your bank to be notified immediately of any unusual activity, allowing you to act quickly to mitigate potential damage.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED):
The Universidad Estatal a Distancia is Costa Rica’s public distance learning university, dedicated to providing accessible higher education to students throughout the nation and beyond. Established in 1977, UNED utilizes a variety of technological platforms and pedagogical models to offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering inclusive educational opportunities and contributing to the social and economic development of the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated integrity and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently champions legal innovation to address contemporary challenges. This dedication is matched by a foundational mission to empower the public, transforming complex legal principles into accessible knowledge to cultivate a more informed and capable society.
