Avoiding Scams in Costa Rica: What Expats Need to Watch For
Costa Rica’s natural beauty, political stability, and welcoming culture have made it an increasingly attractive destination for expats. However, as more foreigners choose to live, invest, retire, or do business here, scams targeting newcomers have also become more common.
Whether you are applying for residency, purchasing property, or simply trying to navigate unfamiliar systems, it is important to stay alert. Many scams are designed to take advantage of people who are new to the country, unfamiliar with local procedures, or too trusting of someone who appears knowledgeable or well connected.
As expat attorney Elissa Stoffels explains, a little caution can go a long way.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
One of the most common red flags is the promise of guaranteed results or “special access.” This may include supposed shortcuts for residency permits, driver’s licenses, legal paperwork, or other official procedures.
If someone tells you they can guarantee a government approval or move you to the front of the line, that should immediately raise concern. In Costa Rica, as elsewhere, there are no legitimate legal shortcuts.
Fake Government Websites and Phishing Scams
Another growing risk involves fake websites and fraudulent online communications that imitate official government platforms. These sites may look convincing and often request personal information, banking details, or payment for supposed immigration or legal services.
Social media has also become a common tool for scammers targeting foreigners with fake visa offers, misleading legal advice, or fabricated assistance with permits and registrations.
Before entering sensitive information or making any payment, always verify that you are dealing with an official source. Check web addresses carefully, confirm contact information, and avoid relying on unofficial links sent through social media or messaging apps.
Excessive or Unofficial Fees
Some expats are charged inflated fees for services that are either low-cost or free through the proper channels. This often happens when someone is unfamiliar with how local procedures work and assumes the amount being requested is standard.
A lack of transparency about pricing is a major warning sign. Legitimate professionals should be able to explain what they are charging for, what government fees apply, and what portion of the total corresponds to their professional services.
When in doubt, ask for a written breakdown.
Untrustworthy Professionals
Not every person presenting themselves as a lawyer, real estate advisor, consultant, or other professional is acting transparently. In some cases, service providers may overcharge, misrepresent their qualifications, conceal key information, or promise results they cannot legally deliver.
Regarding attorneys, Elissa Stoffels notes that “one of the most common mistakes expats make is assuming that a professional title alone guarantees reliability. In reality, legal service can vary widely in terms of specialization, professionalism, and ethics. Before moving forward, expats should verify that the attorney is duly licensed, in good standing, and genuinely experienced in the relevant field. When major investments or legal rights are at stake, working with reputable, established counsel is an important safeguard.”
That is why it is essential to verify credentials, ask for references, and insist on clear written agreements. If a transaction involves a significant amount of money or a major legal decision, seeking a second opinion is often a wise step.
Real Estate Traps
Real estate is one of the areas where expats can be especially vulnerable. Common risks include falsified information, unauthorized sales, hidden issues affecting the property title, or pricing practices that take advantage of foreign buyers unfamiliar with the market.
Before signing anything or transferring funds, it is essential to carry out proper due diligence. This includes confirming title information through the National Registry and working with a reputable attorney who can independently review the transaction.
When purchasing property in Costa Rica, caution is not a sign of distrust. It is simply good practice to protect your investment.
How to Protect Yourself
While scams take many forms, a few basic precautions can significantly reduce your risk:
- Verify sources. Use official government websites and confirm that links, contact information, and payment instructions are legitimate.
- Demand transparency. Be cautious of anyone who is vague about costs, timelines, procedures, or professional qualifications.
- Work with reputable professionals. Ask for credentials, references, and written explanations of the services being offered.
- Get everything in writing. Contracts, invoices, receipts, and written communications can help protect you if a problem arises later.