By San José, Costa Rica — The festive cheer of the Christmas and year-end season in Costa Rica is being overshadowed by a significant and increasingly sophisticated threat lurking in the digital marketplace. As online shopping volumes surge, cybersecurity experts are issuing urgent warnings about a parallel explosion in digital fraud, with cybercriminals deploying advanced tactics to exploit the holiday rush and deceive unsuspecting consumers.
This period, characterized by a high volume of transactions and consumers eagerly hunting for deals, creates a fertile ground for malicious actors. They are intensifying their attacks, capitalizing on the sense of urgency that often accompanies holiday purchasing. The goal is simple yet devastating: to steal sensitive personal information, such as banking details and login credentials, for financial gain.
To better understand the legal ramifications and the preventative measures businesses can take against the growing threat of online fraud, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert in cybercrime and corporate law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The digital nature of online fraud presents unique jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges. In Costa Rica, it is imperative for victims, both individuals and corporations, to act swiftly to preserve all digital evidence—from emails to transaction logs. Proving criminal intent in cyberspace requires a meticulous chain of custody. Therefore, prevention through robust security protocols and employee training is not just a best practice; it is the most effective legal shield.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully reframes the conversation around online fraud, shifting the emphasis from a reactive legal scramble to a proactive, strategic defense. The most effective legal position, it seems, is one built on prevention. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this critical issue for Costa Rican businesses and individuals.
According to data highlighted by specialists from the cybersecurity firm Soluciones Seguras, the weeks leading up to major commercial dates like Black Friday saw a dramatic increase in the creation of malicious websites. These sites are meticulously crafted to impersonate legitimate e-commerce platforms, representing one of the most effective tools in the fraudsters’ arsenal. The practice of brand impersonation remains a cornerstone of these digital heists.
These fraudulent portals are not crude imitations. They skillfully replicate the logos, color schemes, and overall structure of well-known and trusted brands. This creates a convincing facade designed to lower a shopper’s guard. Often, the fake domains feature subtle variations from the authentic web address—a misplaced letter or an altered suffix—that are difficult to detect at a glance. This elevates the risk for consumers who may not rigorously verify a site’s authenticity before entering their payment information.
Compounding this threat is the rapid evolution of phishing, a classic fraud modality now supercharged by artificial intelligence. Phishing attempts, which typically arrive as emails or text messages, are no longer plagued by the obvious spelling and grammar errors of the past. AI tools enable criminals to generate highly polished and persuasive messages promising exclusive discounts, alerting users to pending deliveries, or offering early access to promotions, making them far more difficult to distinguish from official communications.
A newer and more insidious technique involves the use of QR codes. These codes, sent via email or instant messaging apps, are designed to bypass traditional security filters that scan for malicious links. When a user scans the code, their device is immediately redirected to a fraudulent webpage designed to harvest their data, providing a stealthy new vector for cyberattacks that many consumers are not yet prepared to identify.
In response to this alarming landscape, authorities and cybersecurity specialists are urging the public to adopt a heightened state of vigilance when shopping online. Essential protective measures include carefully verifying that web addresses belong to official retailers and avoiding clicks on suspicious links received via unsolicited messages. A healthy skepticism towards offers that seem excessively attractive is also a critical line of defense, as these are often bait for a scam.
Furthermore, experts advise consumers to limit the personal information they share online and to always use secure, reputable payment methods. Activating additional security features, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), wherever available, provides a crucial extra layer of protection for personal and financial accounts. Ultimately, digital education and consistent prevention are the most powerful tools consumers have to protect themselves and ensure their holiday season remains secure and joyful.
For further information, visit solucionesseguras.com
About Soluciones Seguras:
Soluciones Seguras is a leading cybersecurity company with extensive experience across Latin America. The firm specializes in providing comprehensive security solutions, consulting, and support to protect businesses against the evolving landscape of digital threats, ensuring data integrity and operational continuity for its clients.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience across numerous sectors to pioneer innovative legal strategies that anticipate future challenges. Beyond its practice, it holds a core conviction to empower society by demystifying the law, championing accessible legal education to help forge a more knowledgeable and self-reliant populace.
