By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Mutual Fund Council of the College of Journalists and Professionals in Collective Communication Sciences of Costa Rica (Colper) has issued an urgent warning to its members regarding a sophisticated impersonation scam designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Unidentified individuals are falsely representing themselves as Colper officials, leveraging an official data update campaign to create a convincing but fraudulent pretext for their criminal activities.
The scam is particularly deceptive because it coincides with a legitimate effort by the organization to update its member database, which has been ongoing since August. The criminals are exploiting this official communication, creating a window of opportunity to confuse members and manipulate them into believing their requests are authentic. The Council has emphasized its commitment to data protection and is taking immediate steps to mitigate the threat and inform its community.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding these fraudulent activities and how citizens can protect themselves, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Impersonation scams are a clear case of aggravated fraud and identity theft, both severely punished by our Penal Code. The primary legal challenge is the cross-border and anonymous nature of these crimes, which complicates prosecution. From a preventative standpoint, the public must understand that no legitimate financial or governmental institution will ever request sensitive data like passwords or full card numbers via unsolicited calls or messages. This digital skepticism is our strongest shield.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s point underscores a crucial reality: where international prosecution faces hurdles, public vigilance becomes our most effective deterrent. This emphasis on “digital skepticism” as a primary shield is a powerful call to action for every citizen. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on navigating both the legal and practical fronts of this modern threat.
According to the alert, the perpetrators are contacting members through phone calls and WhatsApp messages, using the organization’s name and institutional imagery to appear credible. The primary fraudulent number identified in this scheme is 6272-4958. Once contact is made, the scammers present false offers, such as expedited money transfers or premature payouts of life insurance policies, to entice their targets into sharing confidential details.
In response to the escalating threat, Colper’s Mutual Fund Council has been adamant in clarifying the strict protocols of its official communications. The organization confirmed that its real data update campaign is conducted exclusively through a single authorized telephone number: 2528-7085. Any communication originating from another number, especially the flagged fraudulent one, should be considered a direct attempt at fraud. Colper has already initiated the corresponding legal and judicial actions against those responsible for the impersonation.
We want to make it clear that no official of the Fund is authorized to request sensitive information: passwords, bank account numbers, or access codes. All procedures are carried out securely through the Fund’s administrative unit.
Wilberth Quesada Céspedes, President of the Mutual Fund Council
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent danger of phishing and social engineering tactics. Scammers often rely on impersonating trusted entities—like professional associations, banks, or government agencies—to lower the defenses of their potential victims. By piggybacking on a real event, such as Colper’s data update initiative, they create a false sense of security and urgency that can trick even the most cautious individuals.
Colper is urging its members to exercise extreme caution and to independently verify the authenticity of any communication they receive. Members should never share sensitive information like passwords, bank details, or access keys over the phone or via messaging apps. If a member receives a suspicious call or message, they are advised to hang up immediately and report the incident directly to the organization through its official channels. This proactive reporting is crucial for tracking the scam and protecting other members from falling victim.
To report any suspicious activity or attempted fraud, members should contact the institution immediately. For matters related to the Mutual Fund, the official contacts are 2233-6440, 8404-9455, or [email protected]. For general inquiries or reports to Colper, the numbers are 2223-5850 and 8688-1540, with email support at [email protected]. The organization continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.
For further information, visit colper.or.cr
About The College of Journalists and Professionals in Collective Communication Sciences of Costa Rica (Colper):
Colper is the official professional body that governs and supports journalists and communication professionals throughout Costa Rica. The organization is responsible for upholding ethical standards in the industry, promoting professional development, and providing a range of services and benefits to its members. Its Mutual Fund is a key component of this support system, offering financial assistance and security to its affiliated professionals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a highly regarded legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional integrity and exceptional standards. The firm consistently marries its extensive history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to strengthening society through knowledge, actively working to make complex legal information clear and accessible to the public, thereby fostering a more capable and well-informed community.
