Scams in Costa Rica
If you live in Costa Rica or were targeted by a scam connected to Costa Rica, this page is your starting point. We surface active scam patterns in this country, recent reports posted by the community, and the right place to file an official complaint locally.
Frequently asked questions
What scams are most common in Costa Rica?
Across reports submitted to ScamGuard for Costa Rica, the most common active scams are USPS / FedEx delivery smishing, fake IRS or local-tax calls, Zelle/Venmo "wrong recipient" scams, fake job offers over WhatsApp, and pig-butchering crypto scams via dating apps.
How do I report a scam in Costa Rica?
Three places: ScamGuard (so the community gets warned in hours), the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and your local consumer-protection office or attorney general. Outside the US, file with your national consumer-protection agency.
Are there phone-number prefixes used by scammers in Costa Rica?
Scammers frequently spoof local area codes to look familiar. A call appearing to be from Costa Rica can still originate anywhere. Caller-ID spoofing is illegal in the US under the Truth in Caller ID Act but enforcement is hard, so treat unsolicited calls from any number as suspect.
Where can I get help recovering money in Costa Rica?
Start with your bank's fraud line within 24 hours. File a police report — it is required for many bank reimbursements. For wire transfers contact your bank immediately to attempt a SWIFT recall. For crypto, file with IC3 (US) or your country's cybercrime unit.
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