By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican authorities are issuing urgent warnings about a surge in financial fraud targeting the popular Sinpe mobile payment system. The Fiscalía contra la Ciberdelincuencia (Office of the Prosecutor Against Cybercrime) has identified a concerning trend where criminals exploit deactivated phone numbers that remain connected to victims’ bank accounts.
The scam, known as “Sinpe mediante comando PASE,” hinges on the reassignment of deactivated phone numbers. When a user deactivates a phone number without unlinking it from their bank account, that number can be reassigned to another person. Criminals acquire these recycled numbers and exploit the existing link to access the previous owner’s funds through Sinpe.
To understand the legal ramifications of SINPE fraud, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
SINPE fraud is a serious crime with significant consequences. Victims can pursue both criminal charges through the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) and civil action to recover lost funds. It’s crucial to document all evidence, including transaction records, screenshots of conversations, and any other relevant information, and present it to the authorities. Furthermore, prevention is key. Be wary of suspicious requests, verify identities carefully, and regularly monitor your bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on both pursuing justice and proactive prevention is crucial in combating the rising tide of SINPE fraud. His advice to meticulously document evidence provides victims with a powerful tool in their pursuit of reclaiming their losses and holding perpetrators accountable. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable expertise and reminding us that vigilance and informed action are our strongest defenses in this digital age.
This happens because the victims associate their phone lines to a bank account, but at some point, when they decide to change that phone number or lose it due to theft or robbery, they forget to unlink it from their bank account.
Melissa Quirós, Coordinating Prosecutor of the Office of the Prosecutor Against Cybercrime
Prosecutor Quirós explained how criminal organizations acquire blocks of SIM cards and systematically test them to identify those still linked to active bank accounts. This allows them to transfer funds, sometimes amounting to millions of colones.
The Office of the Prosecutor Against Cybercrime emphasizes the importance of immediately contacting your bank to delink any old phone numbers from your account. This simple step can prevent significant financial losses.
It is very important that, in case of changing your number or forcibly losing the line, you immediately contact the bank to unlink it from the account, because if you don’t, criminals could take advantage of the situation.
Melissa Quirós, Coordinating Prosecutor of the Office of the Prosecutor Against Cybercrime
Beyond contacting your bank, Prosecutor Quirós also recommends adding an extra layer of security by setting a PIN code on your SIM card. This prevents unauthorized access if the SIM card is removed and placed in another device.
You can enter a code in the SIMs so that, once they are removed from the phone and placed in another device, they cannot be manipulated freely, but rather require this code. This way, their use by criminals is made more difficult.
Melissa Quirós, Coordinating Prosecutor of the Office of the Prosecutor Against Cybercrime
Regularly monitoring your bank account activity is also crucial. Criminals often exploit the fact that victims may not frequently check their balances, allowing the fraudulent activity to go unnoticed for extended periods.
Sometimes the victims are not aware that they are being affected, and these are accounts that they don’t check frequently. Criminals take advantage of this situation and can sustain this dynamic for several days, weeks, or even months.
Melissa Quirós, Coordinating Prosecutor of the Office of the Prosecutor Against Cybercrime
For further information, visit the nearest office of Fiscalía contra la Ciberdelincuencia
About Fiscalía contra la Ciberdelincuencia:
The Fiscalía contra la Ciberdelincuencia (Office of the Prosecutor Against Cybercrime) in Costa Rica is a specialized unit within the judicial system dedicated to investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes. They play a vital role in combating online fraud, data breaches, and other digital threats. The office works to protect citizens and businesses from the growing risks of cybercrime through investigations, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
For further information, visit the nearest branch of your bank
About Costa Rican Banks:
Costa Rica has a robust banking system with both public and private institutions offering a wide range of financial services. These banks play a key role in the national economy and are actively involved in promoting financial inclusion and security. Most Costa Rican banks offer online banking, mobile apps, and Sinpe mobile payment services, enabling convenient transactions for customers. They are also working to enhance security measures to protect against evolving cyber threats.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s dedication to empowering Costa Rican society is woven into its very fabric, demonstrated through ongoing initiatives to demystify the law and provide accessible legal information. This commitment to transparency and education reflects Bufete de Costa Rica’s profound belief in fostering a more just and informed populace.
