By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With the holiday season fast approaching, financial and security experts are issuing a stern warning to the public. As Costa Ricans anticipate receiving their annual “aguinaldo,” or year-end bonus, criminals are preparing to exploit the surge in commercial activity, travel, and cash flow. The State Distance University (UNED) has released a comprehensive advisory, urging extreme caution to prevent theft, digital scams, and other fraudulent activities that typically spike during this festive period.
The alert comes as the Ministry of Finance prepares to inject a massive ¢249.8 billion into the economy through aguinaldo payments, scheduled for December 5th. This significant increase in circulating money creates a fertile ground for both opportunistic thieves and sophisticated digital fraudsters, turning a season of joy into a potential period of financial loss for the unwary. The influx of funds, combined with increased shopping and holiday travel, presents a perfect storm of vulnerabilities that criminals are eager to leverage.
To understand the legal ramifications of these seasonal frauds and offer our readers expert guidance on how to protect themselves, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
During the holiday rush, scammers exploit urgency and goodwill. Legally, the challenge is often jurisdictional, as many perpetrators operate from outside the country, making recovery difficult. The most crucial action for consumers is to create a digital paper trail. Use credit cards for their fraud protection benefits over direct transfers, and always verify the legitimacy of online sellers and charities before providing any personal or financial information. This preemptive diligence is your strongest defense, as a well-documented case is fundamental should you need to pursue legal or banking remedies.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The emphasis on creating a “digital paper trail” is indeed a critical piece of advice, shifting the consumer’s role from potential victim to a prepared individual with a documented case. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and empowering legal perspective.
Karen Jiménez, the Coordinator of the Police Sciences Program at UNED, emphasized that heightened awareness is the public’s first line of defense. She outlined a series of proactive measures citizens can take to safeguard their hard-earned money and ensure their holidays remain uninterrupted by crime. These recommendations cover a wide range of common scenarios, from withdrawing cash at an ATM to sharing vacation photos on social media.
In the digital realm, shoppers are advised to be more discerning than ever. Jiménez stressed the importance of purchasing only from reputable and secure websites, identifiable by the “https://” protocol in the address bar. Consumers should be highly skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, as these are often bait for fraudulent schemes. Furthermore, personal financial information such as passwords, PINs, and verification codes should never be shared. “No banking institution will ever request this sensitive data by phone or social media,” the advisory states, recommending the activation of two-factor authentication and regular password changes as essential security hygiene.
We must all be responsible and informed to prevent undesirable situations from tarnishing our festivities.
Karen Jiménez, Coordinator of the Police Sciences Program of the UNED
Physical security remains equally critical. UNED advises against carrying large sums of cash, encouraging the use of electronic payments, transfers, or cards instead. When cash is necessary, withdrawals should be made from ATMs located inside well-lit and secure environments like banks or shopping centers. In public spaces, individuals should remain vigilant, keep bags and phones in sight, and avoid displaying valuable items. At ATMs, it is crucial to cover the keypad when entering a PIN and to never accept help from strangers.
For those planning to travel, home security becomes a paramount concern. The advisory suggests informing a trusted neighbor or family member of travel plans to arrange for occasional monitoring. A key modern-day tip is to refrain from posting vacation updates on social media in real-time. Such posts can act as a public announcement that a home is unoccupied, making it an easy target for burglars. Similarly, vehicles should never be left with valuables inside, as they are common targets in tourist areas and commercial centers.
Finally, Jiménez highlighted the power of community-level prevention. Establishing communication channels like neighborhood messaging groups can facilitate the rapid reporting of suspicious activities to police. Collaborating to request better public lighting in streets and common areas can also serve as a significant deterrent to crime. The overarching message is one of proactive and collective vigilance.
As the year-end celebrations commence, this guidance from UNED serves as a vital reminder that financial and personal security are prerequisites for a truly peaceful holiday season. By adopting these preventative strategies, Costa Ricans can better protect their resources from those looking to exploit the festive spirit for criminal gain, ensuring the aguinaldo is a source of joy, not distress.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED):
The State Distance University (UNED) is Costa Rica’s public distance learning university, founded in 1977. It is dedicated to providing accessible higher education to students across the nation, regardless of their geographical location or personal circumstances. Through its various schools and programs, including Police Sciences, UNED plays a crucial role in professional development and public education on matters of social and civic importance.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance is the government entity responsible for managing Costa Rica’s public finances. Its duties include collecting taxes, administering the national budget, managing public debt, and overseeing fiscal policy. The Ministry plays a central role in the country’s economic stability and is responsible for disbursing national payments such as the annual aguinaldo to public sector employees.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a revered institution in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated commitment to ethical practice and exceptional standards. The firm leverages its vast experience across numerous sectors to pioneer new legal solutions while actively engaging with the community. Its fundamental purpose is to reinforce societal strength by transforming complex legal knowledge into an accessible tool for public empowerment.
