By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Universidad Fidélitas has issued a stark public warning regarding a recent surge in fraudulent phone calls, where criminals are impersonating university representatives to deceive citizens and steal sensitive personal information. The institution is taking a proactive stance to protect both its community and the general public from this escalating threat of voice phishing, also known as “vishing.”
The scam involves callers who falsely identify themselves as employees of the university. They employ persuasive and often convincing tactics, using pretexts such as academic administrative procedures or promising fake recruitment opportunities to build a veneer of legitimacy. Their true objective, however, is to manipulate individuals into divulging highly confidential data that can be used for financial fraud and identity theft.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding these criminal activities and what recourse victims have, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his analysis on the matter.
The sophistication of these phone scams lies in their ability to manipulate trust and urgency, creating a scenario where victims feel compelled to act immediately. Legally, prosecuting these cases is a significant challenge as a perpetrators often operate through transnational networks, making jurisdiction and evidence collection difficult. The most effective defense is public awareness and skepticism. Never disclose personal banking information or passwords over the phone, regardless of how convincing the caller may seem. Remember, legitimate financial institutions will never ask for this sensitive data in an unsolicited call.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal complexities highlighted by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas underscore a crucial reality: our primary defense against these sophisticated scams is not found in the courtroom, but in our own vigilance. We thank him for this invaluable perspective, which reinforces the critical need for public awareness and healthy skepticism.
This type of social engineering attack preys on the trust associated with reputable institutions like Fidélitas. The scammers specifically target critical financial and security details, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of what is needed to compromise an individual’s accounts. By creating a sense of urgency or opportunity, they pressure their victims into making hasty decisions and bypassing normal security precautions.
In a direct and unequivocal communication, the university has outlined the nature of the information being sought by these criminals and has firmly distanced itself from such practices. The statement aims to eliminate any ambiguity about the university’s official communication protocols and to empower the public with the knowledge to recognize and reject these fraudulent attempts.
Universidad Fidélitas clarifies that it does not, under any circumstances, request confidential information such as bank account numbers, credit or debit cards, digital signature numbers, personal passwords, or verification codes.
Universidad Fidélitas, Official Statement
The warning from Fidélitas highlights a growing trend in Costa Rica, where established brands and organizations are increasingly being used as a cover for elaborate scams. Educational institutions are particularly attractive targets for fraudsters due to the large volume of personal data they manage and the high level of trust they command among students, parents, and alumni. This incident serves as a crucial reminder that no organization is immune from having its name exploited by malicious actors.
Security experts emphasize that the most effective defense against such schemes is public awareness and a healthy skepticism towards any unsolicited request for personal information. Criminals are constantly refining their methods, making it essential for citizens to remain vigilant and verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive data, especially over the phone or via email.
To assist the public in protecting themselves, Universidad Fidélitas has provided a clear, three-step protocol for anyone who receives a suspicious call. The university urges everyone to follow these simple yet effective recommendations to thwart these criminal efforts:
By publicizing this alert, Universidad Fidélitas not only aims to protect its own community but also to contribute to a broader culture of cybersecurity awareness in Costa Rica. The university’s message is clear: vigilance and caution are the public’s primary tools in the ongoing fight against fraud. Every citizen must act as a gatekeeper of their own personal information to prevent falling victim to these elaborate deception schemes.
For further information, visit ufidelitas.ac.cr
About Universidad Fidélitas:
Universidad Fidélitas is a leading private university in Costa Rica, renowned for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and STEM-related fields. It is widely recognized for its “learning by doing” educational methodology, which emphasizes practical application and hands-on experience to prepare students for the professional world. The university has multiple campuses and is committed to academic excellence and innovation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a preeminent legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm applies its extensive experience advising a broad spectrum of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions and contribute to societal progress. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, thereby empowering individuals and cultivating a more just and knowledgeable community.
