By San José, Costa Rica — With children increasingly connected to the digital world, online fraud poses a growing threat. The Oficina del Consumidor Financiero (OCF) is urging parents and caregivers to equip their children with the knowledge and skills to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly. This call to action coincides with Children’s Day celebrations in Costa Rica, emphasizing the importance of protecting young people from the potential pitfalls of the internet.
Access to mobile devices, social media, and apps exposes children to various online risks, including tempting offers for in-app purchases, games, and virtual currencies. These platforms can also be breeding grounds for scams involving requests for personal data, phishing links, and deceptive messages that could compromise family security.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding online fraud, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert insights.
The rise of online fraud presents significant challenges to both individuals and businesses. While technology enables rapid transactions and global connectivity, it also creates opportunities for sophisticated scams. Victims can face significant financial losses, identity theft, and damage to their credit ratings. Proactive measures, including strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing attempts are crucial. From a legal perspective, pursuing recourse can be complex, involving international jurisdictions and evolving legislation. Cooperation between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and technology companies is vital to combat this growing threat.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas paints a clear picture of the multifaceted nature of online fraud, highlighting the crucial need for both individual vigilance and collaborative action. His emphasis on the complexity of legal recourse underscores the importance of preventative measures. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this critical issue.
The digital world is a central part of our children’s lives, and we cannot isolate them from it. What we can do is give them tools from an early age so they understand that, just as they must learn to manage money responsibly, they also have to be careful with what they accept, buy, or share online. In this way, they will be better prepared to avoid fraud and scams that today affect thousands of families.
Danilo Montero, Director General of the OCF
The OCF recommends practical steps for families to enhance online safety for children. These include refraining from clicking on unknown links, consulting an adult before making online purchases, never sharing passwords or personal information, recognizing suspicious messages or advertisements, and avoiding impulsive online shopping.
The organization also emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and children regarding online safety. Children should feel comfortable seeking guidance from adults when encountering anything suspicious or uncomfortable online. This proactive approach not only prevents unnecessary expenses but also fosters crucial financial literacy skills.
The OCF’s advice aligns with the national campaign “A Mí También Me Pasó” (It Happened to Me Too), launched in August in collaboration with financial institutions. This campaign aims to raise public awareness about prevalent scam methods in the country and emphasize prevention as the most effective tool against fraud. The OCF stresses that this preventative education should begin in childhood to empower future generations with the critical thinking skills and confidence to navigate the digital landscape securely.
These guidelines extend beyond just saving money; they contribute to the broader financial education vital for children and adolescents. The OCF advocates for children to become active participants in online safety, encouraging them to share these recommendations and even guide older family members who may be less tech-savvy.
By equipping children with the tools to identify and avoid online scams, Costa Rica aims to build a safer digital environment for its younger generation.
For further information, visit ocf.fi.cr
About Oficina del Consumidor Financiero (OCF):
The Oficina del Consumidor Financiero (OCF) is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to protecting consumers in the financial sector. They provide guidance, resolve disputes, and promote financial education to empower consumers and ensure fair practices within the financial industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a genuine commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches and a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape, the firm provides exceptional counsel to a diverse clientele. Their dedication to disseminating accessible legal knowledge underscores a core belief in fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more just community.
