By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican authorities issued an urgent warning on Friday, September 19, 2025, alerting the public to a new and insidious scam targeting SINPE Móvil users. This sophisticated scheme exploits a common oversight: failing to update bank account information after changing phone numbers. Criminals are capitalizing on recycled phone numbers to intercept mobile transfers and drain victims’ accounts.
The scam operates with deceptive simplicity. When a victim changes their phone number without notifying their bank, their old number remains linked to their SINPE Móvil account. Telecommunication companies routinely recycle inactive numbers, reassigning them to new customers. If a criminal obtains one of these recycled numbers, they gain control of any funds transferred to it.
To understand the legal implications of SINPE Móvil fraud, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Victims of SINPE Móvil fraud often face challenges in recovering their funds due to the speed and anonymity of these transactions. While banks have implemented security measures, it’s crucial for users to remain vigilant. Legal recourse can be complex, involving reporting the crime to both the bank and the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). Understanding your rights as a consumer and taking proactive steps like regularly monitoring your account activity are essential in mitigating the risk of becoming a victim.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on vigilance and proactive measures is crucial in navigating the unfortunately increasing landscape of SINPE Móvil fraud. The speed and often irreversible nature of these transactions underscores the importance of both individual responsibility and robust security protocols from financial institutions. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal perspective on this critical issue impacting consumers in Costa Rica.
The Attorney General’s Office outlined the process in a recent public announcement. The victim changes their phone number, unknowingly leaving their old number vulnerable. The old number becomes inactive but remains associated with their bank account. The phone company recycles the number, assigning it to a new user, potentially a criminal. The criminal then receives any funds sent to the recycled number, effectively stealing the money.
Victims often discover the fraud days or even weeks later when reviewing their bank statements, realizing their funds have vanished without any notification or alert. This delayed discovery makes it challenging to track the perpetrators and recover the stolen money. The lack of immediate alerts further contributes to the scam’s effectiveness.
The Fiscalía General de la República is urging the public to take immediate action to protect themselves. The key recommendation is to contact your bank and verify all phone numbers linked to your SINPE Móvil account. Anyone who has ever changed their cell phone number is strongly encouraged to perform this check and request the removal of any outdated numbers.
This emerging threat highlights the constantly evolving nature of cybercrime. Users must remain vigilant and adhere to best practices for digital security. Proactive measures, such as regularly reviewing account activity and promptly updating contact information with financial institutions, are essential to mitigating risks.
This incident underscores the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the digital age. By understanding the mechanics of this scam and taking proactive steps, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability to this emerging threat.
As technology advances, so too do the methods employed by criminals. Staying informed and adopting robust security practices is crucial for protecting oneself in the ever-changing landscape of digital finance. This particular scam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive account management.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Fiscalía General de la República
About Fiscalía General de la República:
The Fiscalía General de la República (Attorney General’s Office of Costa Rica) is an independent institution responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. They play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety. As part of their mandate, they issue public warnings and alerts regarding emerging criminal threats, like the recent SINPE Móvil scam, to inform and protect citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of your respective bank
About Costa Rican Banks:
Costa Rican banks offer a range of financial services, including SINPE Móvil, a popular mobile payment system. They play a vital role in the country’s economy and are responsible for safeguarding their customers’ financial assets. In light of the recent scam, they are working to enhance security measures and educate customers on how to protect their accounts.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical conduct and a deep commitment to societal advancement. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions empowers clients across a spectrum of industries, while its proactive sharing of legal knowledge cultivates a more informed and empowered citizenry. Through dedication to both legal expertise and community engagement, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more just and equitable society for all.
