Nature is Costa Rica’s calling card. Wildlife diversity and exceptional landscapes provide a long list of uncontaminated lands and protected areas that will get you involved in as many Costa Rica expedition activities and adventure sports as you can imagine.

Costa Rica has a tremendous variety of butterflies. There exists about 20,000 butterfly species worldwide. Of these, about 1,000 or 5% can be found in Costa Rica. Of particular interest are the many butterfly farms where the process of “farming” is explained and a demonstration on how the butterflies are color designed via cross breeding.

Costa Rica has more than 850 species of birds, all found within a tight geographic area. Costa Rica offers birdwatchers of all levels of expertise an unrivaled bird watching experience. Birdwatchers out on the trail in Costa Rica’s forests should keep an eye out for mixed flocks foraging on certain types of food, especially fruit, in the forest canopy.

Costa Rica has approximately 150 species of amphibians, some of which are extremely colorful and exotic. There are tree frogs, which spend their entire lives above the forest floor, breeding in the water of tank bromeliads or in holes in the trunks of trees. Others, like the poison-arrow frog, are exuberantly colored, ranging from bright red with blue or green legs to bright green with black markings. There are over 200 species of reptiles in Costa Rica. A quick stop at the Puente Rio Tarcoles on the way to Jaco demonstrates just how abundant the reptiles are in Costa Rica. There you will find no less than twenty large and extra large crocodiles congregated under the bridge at midpoint. The 14 turtle species include both marine and freshwater varieties. The largest of the marine turtles are leatherbacks. Their shells are up to 5 feet and they weigh upwards of 800 pounds! Marine turtles climb up sandy beaches to lay their eggs, a spectacular sight because it happens in mass.

Although rarely seen by the casual tourist in Costa Rica, snakes make up almost half of all reptile species in the nation (135 species, 17 poisonous). It is a fortunate traveler indeed who gets to see in the wild the fantastically elongated, I-beam-shapedchunk-headed snake, with its catlike elliptical eyes; the slender, beak-nosed bright green vinelike vine snake; or the relatively benign boa constrictor. Many neotropical snake species inhabit a wide range of Costa Rican environments, and wherever you are in the country there are sure to be snakes about. Not that you should worry. Fewer than 500 snakebites are reported each year, and less than three percent of these are fatal. Most bites occur among farmworkers.

Still, caution is always the watchword. Never reach into holes or under rocks, debris, or forest-floor leaf litter without first checking with a stick to see what might be quietly slumbering there. And remember that many snakes are well-camouflaged arboreal creatures which snooze on branches, so never reach for a branch without looking. You should even be cautious when peering inside bromeliads: the dark-colored chunk-headed snake likes to doze inside the moisture-collecting plants during the dry season.

Costa Rica has over 9,000 identified species of vascular plants, including over 900 different species of trees. Costa Rica is native to some 1,500 species of orchids. From sub-alpine dwarf vegetation, rainforest flora from sea level to mangrove swamps and seasonal dry forest with its deciduous trees, there is an astounding range of floral habitats for a country so small.

The protection of Costa Rica’s natural heritage is managed by the respective national parks and reserves. These areas protect many species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fresh and salt-water fish, and a vast number of identified vascular plants-representing 4% of the world’s total floral and faunal species.

In addition, these management groups protect examples of almost all the existing natural habitats such as deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, rain forests, herbaceous swamps, cloud forests, paramos, hilillo forests and marshlands. They also protect areas of historical and archaeological interest, such as pre-Columbian settlements and early battlefields, as well as beautiful areas of scenic interest, such as beaches, valleys and waterfalls. But above all, the areas of particular interest to the conservationist are the zones which protect the last remaining examples of Central American dry forest and the beaches where the sea turtles nest.

The protection of Costa Rica’s natural resources has implications beyond its borders because they encompass an incredible biodiversity, including numerous species on the verge of extinction. All of this is the reason the country has become one of the most popular destinations for visiting ecologists and biologists. On the whole, access to these areas and facilities are freely available provided the visitor respects the need to protect them. These protected areas are ideal for hiking and rafting, for watching the birds and other wildlife, for camping and just for enjoying in general, their rivers, beaches, jungles, mountain forests, volcanoes as well as their historic and archaeological sites.

A Costa Rica vacation is fast becoming the #1 romantic honeymoon and family vacation destination in the world. Whether it’s your honeymoon or family vacation– Exotic, Romantic and Nature– the perfect ingredients for that special get away, what more could you ask for on your vacation.

For those considering relocating to Costa Rica it is a good idea that a thorough due diligence be done prior to entering into any contractual agreement. Time, money and heartache can be avoided if you retain a private investigator (someone like, yours truly) and a Costa Rican attorney. This is due in large part to the number of con artist that have re-located here from the United States. The money you invest in knowing before you commit is both prudent and necessary.

Costa Rica is an unbeatable choice for those travelers looking for a combination of relaxation, romance and activity. The atmosphere on a Costa Rica vacation is “Pura-Vida”, the pure life. Enjoy!

The basic things you need to know include how to get around, business hours and various other points.  Once you get to Costa Rica you need to know how to get around from place to place, especially if you are not within walking distance of your destination.  Buses are the main form of transportation.  It is the most cost efficient and easiest way to get around.  Do be aware that the buses in Costa Rica are small and sometimes cramped.  You will not be able to take along luggage and if you need a lot of legroom you will be in trouble.  Another form of transportation is a rental car.  They are quite more expensive and you need to have insurance that will cover the rental car in case of an accident.  Also know that most rental cars are standards, so if you do not know how to drive one you may be out of luck.  Business hours in Costa Rica are much like that in the United States.  Typically they run from 8 or 9 AM to 3 or 5 PM.  Everyday a lunch break takes place between noon and 2PM.  Also on Sundays most places will be closed.  Costa Rica runs on Central Standard time, which means some of those traveling from the US may get to avoid jet lag all together.  The healthcare system in Costa Rica is very advanced.  They have an excellent system that offers up-to-date medical care in modern hospitals.  You can most often find doctors that speak English as well.  These basic facts will help you to get used to life in Costa Rica, but there are some more things you should get to know.

In Costa Rica there are some legal things you need to know.  If you are renting a car be aware that Costa Rica is a good place to have an accident.  Drivers here rank low for auto accident rates. The speed limits are posted either on signs or painted on the pavement and you should always be aware of them. The speed limits range from 45 to 55 MPH in general.   Costa Rica laws require that all luggage is screened through customs and declarations must be filled out for certain items like food and anything valuable.  Alcohol is legal for those over the age of eighteen.  Also be aware that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica for those over eighteen. When you are ready to leave Costa Rica you should know you will be required to pay an exit fee approx. 27.00.  These helpful hints about legal do’s and don’ts will help you avoid problems while in Costa Rica.

It is always nice to know about little things that are often overlooked on travel websites or in brochures.  The water heaters in hotels in Costa Rica are not like those in the United States.  You will find they are mostly plastic tubes with an electrical gadget in the nozzle.  This means hot water may not always be hot.  The busiest time in Costa Rica is during what is called the high season.  The high season is between December and May.  You may find that getting reservations can be difficult during this time.  You usually do not have to tip while out in Costa Rica.  A 10% tip is added to your bill. Another good thing to know is that the sewer systems can handle toilet paper unlike those in other countries. The water system in Costa Rica is treated and safe to drink. The electricity in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States.  They do not use the grounding prong in some locations, so be aware of the need for adapters for this reason.  Dancing is big in Costa Rica and you can find dance clubs all over.  Laundry mats are not common in Costa Rica.  Most people send their laundry out to be washed. Some vacation rentals offer a washer/dryer as an amenity.  These helpful little hints can help you get through your vacation without a mishap.

Costa Rica is a lovely, peaceful country.  There is a lot to see and do.  Once you have decided on Costa Rica get to know a little more about the country so you can enjoy everything it has to offer.

Activities on a Costa Rica vacation include bird and butterfly watching, surfing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, tree top (canopy) tours, four wheeling, snorkeling, shopping, hiking, river rafting, horse back riding and casinos. On a Costa Rica vacation you’ll find pristine beaches, tropical jungles, clear blue skies, high mountain rain forest, and tropical sun. That’s why Costa Rica was aptly named ‘rich coast’ by Christopher Columbus in 1502.

Nature is Costa Rica’s green card. Wildlife diversity and exceptional landscapes merge in a long list of untouched lands and protected areas that will get you involved in as many Costa Rica expedition activities and adventure sports as you can imagine.

Costa Rica is unusually blessed by the diversity of its butterflies. There exists about 20,000 butterfly species worldwide. Of these, about 1,000 or 5% can be found in Costa Rica.

With more than 850 species of birds, all found within a tight geographic area, Costa Rica offers birders of all levels of expertise an unrivaled bird watching experience. Birders out on the trail in Costa Rica’s forests should keep an eye out for mixed flocks foraging on certain types of food, especially fruit, in the forest canopy.

Costa Rica is home to roughly 150 species of amphibians, some of which are extremely colorful and exotic. There are tree frogs, which spend their entire lives above the forest floor, breeding in the water of tank bromeliads or in holes in the trunks of trees. Others, like the poison-arrow frog, are exuberantly colored, ranging from bright red with blue or green legs to bright green with black markings. There are over 200 species of reptiles in Costa Rica. The 14 turtle species include both marine and freshwater varieties. The largest of the marine turtles are leatherbacks. Their shells are up to 5 feet and they weigh upwards of 800 pounds! Marine turtles climb up sandy beaches to lay their eggs, a spectacular sight because it happens en masse.

Costa Rica is home to over 9,000 identified species of vascular plants, including over 900 different species of trees. Costa Rica is home to some 1,500 species of orchids. From sub-alpine dwarf vegetation, rainforest flora from sea level to mangrove swamps and seasonal dry forest with its deciduous trees, there is an astounding range of floral habitats for a country so small.

The protection of Costa Rica’s natural heritage is managed by the respective national parks and reserves. These areas protect many species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fresh and salt-water fish, and a vast number of identified vascular plants-representing 4% of the world’s total floral and faunal species.

In addition, these management groups protect examples of almost all the existing natural habitats such as deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, rain forests, herbaceous swamps, cloud forests, paramos, hilillo forests and marshlands. They also protect areas of historical and archaeological interest, such as pre-Columbian settlements and early battlefields, as well as beautiful areas of scenic interest, such as beaches, valleys and waterfalls. But above all, the areas of particular interest to the conservationist are the zones which protect the last remaining examples of Central American dry forest and the beaches where the sea turtles nest.

The protection of Costa Rica’s natural resources has implications beyond its borders because they encompass an incredible biodiversity, including numerous species on the verge of extinction. All of this is the reason the country has become one of the most popular destinations for visiting ecologists and biologists. On the whole, access to these areas and facilities are freely available provided the visitor respects the need to protect them. These protected areas are ideal for hiking and rafting, for watching the birds and other wildlife, for camping and just for enjoying in general, their rivers, beaches, jungles, mountain forests, volcanoes as well as their historic and archaeological sites.

A Costa Rica vacation is fast becoming the #1 romantic honeymoon and family vacation destination in the world. Whether it’s your honeymoon or family vacation– Exotic, Romantic and Nature– the perfect ingredients for that special get away, what more could you ask for on your vacation. An unbeatable choice for those travelers looking for a combination of relaxation, romance and activity. The atmosphere on a Costa Rica vacation is “Pura-Vida”, the pure life.

1. Do not do anything you would not do in your own home town: A lot of foreigners seem to believe they can outsmart the system when they come to a less developed country. Or, it just may be the kind way most Costa Ricans behave with ‘gringos’, which turn them into wishful thinkers.

Always bear in mind that the legal system in Costa Rica is Napoleonic, not Common Law, so things are handled very differently than in the US or Canada. Because of that, the best place to begin your investment plan is in an attorney’s office, and not the ‘Del Rey’ Hotel (a local, ‘colourful’ gringo casino/club/ where you can ‘hire’ your female companion…)

It is best not to try the Do it yourself’ method! Some people, in trying to save some dollars in legal fees, avoid the work of finding a good attorney to guide them through their problems. Do not do that! Do your homework. Find an attorney you feel comfortable with and stay with him for as long as he does a good work.

2. Do not rush into the decision of hiring an attorney. If you are thinking of investing in Costa Rica, like it or not, hiring a local attorney is a must for you. It does not matter if you are just buying a car, a home or planning to set up a million dollar business. You will need an attorney. You may not like the idea of paying legal fees, who does? But accept it and live with it. The idea is to have your lawyer working for you as ‘preventive medicine’, as a kind of insurance against what ‘might happen.’

Consider the legal fees as your insurance premium, because that’s really what it is. Today, you will pay a fraction of what it will probably cost to try and fix that problem later on if you do not have an honest attorney to guide you.

3. Do not think of buying Costa Rica real estate and only follow the real estate broker’s advice! In Costa Rica, real estate brokers are not licensed in the same way they are in United States . Some of them are real professionals, but a lot of them are just ‘enthusiastic’ sales people.

In either buying or selling real estate, you will probably have a need for a broker’s services, but even if your Costa Rica real estate agent is first class, have your attorney on board and have him supervise the process.

4. Do not blindly trust your own country men! Just because they have been here more time than you have. I have seen that US citizens being conned by US people and, Canadians by Canadians and so forth. Be careful! There are a whole lot of strange people in this country, some of them fleeing from FBI, Interpol, ex-wives and even from mental institutions.

5. Gentlemen! Please remember that you do not, I repeat, do NOT need to marry the first beautiful ‘Tica’ (Costa Rican woman) that you meet!

6. “Old Mac Donald had a farm“: And he lost it, because never took care of it. This is a common story in Costa Rica. Again, please remember that our legal system is different.

7. South of the border… Not everybody here wears a big Mexican ’sombrero’ and has big bushy moustaches and not all the ladies are named “Juanita Bonita’.

South of the Río Grande , you will find: México, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panamá, Colombia, Perú, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. All of them are different countries, with a different history, different people, and different laws.

8. “Easy comes easy goes.” I will not even waste your time on this matter. If it sounds too good to be true, then yes! It probably is too good to be true. Nobody on this earth can give you 45% per annum in a legitimate investment.

9. There is ‘risk’ even with legitimate well known and established private banks. Right now I am trying to help a client who deposited a large amount of money in CDs, in one local bank.

10. If you really want to live in Costa Rica then, please live IN Costa Rica! It was the year 335 B.C. Alexander the Great faced one of his greatest battles. When his army reached the Phoenician coasts, he realized their enemies outnumbered them by 3 to 1.

Do you know how he managed to win the battle? Quite simple! He ordered his ships to be burnt… While the ships where on fire and sinking on the ocean, he spoke to his army and told them the only way to go back home was on their enemy’s ships. It was that or else.

If you really want to become a resident in Costa Rica, you may have to burn your ships.

• In most cases, a private investigator is hired to help your attorney in providing him with the required proof needed to prevail in pursuit of prosecution of the matter before the court. For example, the proof required in cases related to child custody and that’s when these investigators can really help you in a big way. In fact, their evidences can help you to solve a case even without paying a lot of money to defend your case in court. Out of court settlement is one of the best advantage of hiring a Private Investigator.

• A private investigator can be hired in case you find something puzzling going around you. Suppose there is someone you don’t know standing in front of your home and looking constantly at your window for many days then the only way to know his whereabouts is by calling in an investigator. What it means is that calling in a professional investigator at right time can help you stay away from bigger losses.

• You can also hire a private investigator after being scammed by someone. Fraud investigation is one of the specialties of many private investigators.

These are only few of the circumstances when you can get benefited by the services offered by a private investigator. However, there are many other situations when a private investigator can work wonder for you. But, one thing is for sure that most people use the services of a private investigator to catch a cheating spouse.

The fact of the matter is that if you want peace of mind, you need to consult with a private investigator to tell him about what is bothering you. They will surely come up with some valuable information to make you live a peaceful life. So, don’t overlook the importance of private investigators as nothing can escape from the eyes of these vigilant people.

When looking to confront a cheating spouse, it is important to know that you can do so at just about any point in time. If you are ready to confront your spouse now, go ahead and do so. If you would prefer to wait, like until you are ready to start divorce proceedings, be sure to wait. Although it may be difficult to stand the sight of your significant other, it is important to proceed with caution.

One of the best times to confront your spouse is when you have concrete proof. Did you seem them cheating? Were they having *** or just out to dinner? What about documentation? Do you have pictures or video of your spouse having inappropriate actions with another? Do you have credit card receipts or cell phone bills that point towards an affair? If you do, you may be ready to confront your spouse. Unfortunately, too many men and women make the mistake of jumping the gun.

Although there is a good chance that you may choose to forgive your cheating spouse, you may also wish to terminate the relationship. Until you are ready to start divorce proceedings, it is a wise idea to not say anything. Many men and women feel comfort and peace of mind when they are first able to get their life in order before they spring a divorce on their husband or wife.

Another sign that you may be ready to confront your cheating spouse is if you are ready to leave the home if you have to. With that being said, it is important to not leave in certain circumstances. Is the home in your name? Do you help to pay the bills or do you pay most of them? Do you have children? If so, you may want to refrain from uprooting your whole life. Instead, make your cheating spouse leave. Just know that they may refuse to do so right away.

As previously stated, it is a wise idea to get your affairs in order before confronting a cheating spouse and asking them for a divorce. You will want to place a good focus on your finances. Are you in good financial standing? Does most of your money belong to your spouse or is it in their control? If so, you may want to wait. Unless you have a good and secure network of friends and family members, it is important to make sure that you can financially survive on your own, especially if you have children.

The best time to confront a cheating spouse is when you know it is safe to do so. Does your husband or wife have violent tendencies? If so, be sure to keep the kids away. Next, consider confronting them in public or have a trusted friend, relative, or the police on hand. For your safety, never confront a cheating spouse who has been drinking or who has used drugs. This is likely to increase the chance of violence. Confronting your spouse and ending your relationship should be important to you, but please don’t put yourself at risk.

Since there are no guarantees that cheating could be going on, even with the above mentioned signs present, additional steps should be taken. These steps can and should include monitoring cell phone calls, viewing the cell phone bill, or hiring a private investigator. Never confront your husband or wife without the proper proof.  Be sure to get solid evidence of cheating, otherwise you could be creating a whole new problem in your relationship.

No one would like to fall victim of a scam, yet everyday the number of people who have fallen into it is growing at an alarming rate. The Internet has become the most powerful medium that scammers utilize to swindle people. You can search the word scam or fraud in Google and you’ll be surprised of the long list from African inheritance scams to multi-level marketing and Internet dating/marriage scams.

As the number of frauds and scams grow by the number, more and more people are becoming susceptible to it. Amazingly, the methods employed by these scammers have tremendously improved over the past two years, which makes their scams even more appealing to people.

Why scammers and frauds have infested dating/marriage sites?

Psychologically speaking, emotions are the strongest driving force that is capable of blinding people from being reasonable and logical. Do you still remember how you were willing to do anything for someone you love? When you are in love to someone, you become determined to do whatever it takes to be with her/him.

Scammers, realizing what love can do to a person; try to invest on this very weakness. Later on in this article, you will discover how scammers effectively ransack people by taking advantage of their emotions and impulses.

Who are these scammers or frauds?

Scammers or frauds can be virtually anyone. In the case of Internet dating/marriage services, they could be the persons featured on the site or a different person in the guise of being someone else or they could be the webmasters (person/persons who operate the website) themselves.

Below are the three most important things to remember in order to avoid being scammed while searching for a soul mate in the Internet. Once you follow these 3 rules, you are ensured of sufficient protection from frauds and scams.

3 Most Important Rules to Remember in Order to Avoid Scams and Frauds

1. Never get “Money” involved in any of your transactions.

Avoid dating websites that require you to pay or donate money in order to obtain contact details of the person you are interested in. Never pay for registration to any dating websites as well. These payments are a waste of your resource and time for there is no assurance whatsoever given in exchange for your payment.

The bottom line, what ever you do to search for a partner in life on-line, NEVER EVER PAY for any services. Not that there are no credible dating/marriage websites/agencies but this is the best way to avoid scams and frauds. Remember that the usual incentive or motive of these scammers is your MONEY! Without giving them incentives/motives, there is no reason for them to exist.

2. Never give information about yourself.

There have been several cases of people who were scammed simply because they have given full and accurate information about themselves, namely; full name, address, telephone number, bank account and details about families, friends and relatives. These information are the most valuable tools that scammers use to effectively scam you. By not giving them the tools/information they need, you make them incapable of scamming people including yourself.

3. Remain skeptical.

Being skeptical, though may be perceived as offensive by other people, is another powerful armor against scams or frauds.What does it takes to be skeptical? Be logical, be reasonable and use your common sense. The reason why our brains are located higher than our hearts is for us to put logic above our emotions.

For instance, you met a lady from a dating website for whom you found yourself madly in love with. Because of the distance between the two of you, she requested that you subsidize her travel expense so that you can finally see each other in person. What are you going to do? Are you going to jump immediately into giving her what she asked for? Be skeptical!

Prevention is better than cure

When we are sick, we seek the service of a doctor. We incur expenses, which in the first place could have been avoided if we were able to prevent the occurrence of the sickness or if we were able to diagnose it in its early stage. Cancer for instance is best treated when diagnosed at its early stage. Similarly, being scammed is best avoided when detected early on before it even materializes.

Below is a list that could indicate possible cases of scams or frauds and must be handled with caution.

Instances that may indicate possible scams or frauds are originating from two possible sources.

1. The Person Featured in the Dating Site.

a) When the picture used in the profile is too beautiful.

Come on! Be realistic! If she’s beautiful, don’t you think that she doesn’t need too much publicity or exposure to be noticed? In short, she doesn’t need to publish an ad of herself to find a man for her. Usually, scammers will use pictures of beautiful ladies probably obtained from modeling sites to lure the interests of men. Physical beauty is attractive but don’t get deceived with it.

b) Any form of cash extortion.

For the Nth time, don’t buy any form of cash extortion. Whatever her reasons are to request money from you, no matter how sincere or believable it may seem, don’t give in. These scammers are trained to deceive people into believing their scams.

c) Ads targeted to Old men.

This may hurt the oldies but the truth is, most victims of dating/marriage scams in the Internet are the old men. Most scammers target the old men because they are proven to be the most gullible group of men. You are therefore highly advised to avoid advertisement that specifies old men as what they’re looking for.

d) Inconsistent, changing or confusing information.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to email you for a long time because my boss fired me from work and so I don’t have access to the Internet.” (Hmm… I thought you weren’t working and that you’re a full time student.)

This confusion and inconsistency might be a result of the scammer dealing with different victims. Somewhere along the road, she got confused. Now, don’t let this confused scammer confuse you!

e) Tech Savvy Asian Women

Most Asian women featured in dating/marriage websites are mostly coming from poor families. Most of them are uneducated, cannot afford to buy a computer and pay for the monthly Internet connection. How could someone who does not have the means (knowledge and resource) post her profile on the net and receive and reply messages to the correspondents?

f) Well-written reply from a non-English speaking country

Women who are from non-English speaking countries are expected to have poor English comprehension and poor grammar. Although there are exceptions to this rule, it would be safer to assume that someone from non-English speaking country should commit errors (grammar, syntax, spelling etc.) in their emails. It’s therefore justified to suspect someone from a non-English speaking country to be a scam or fraud if her replies are well written and well structured.

g) Very Willing and Eager Ladies

What kind of lady do you think will send you tons of her pictures and will immediately tell you that she’s falling for you after a few exchanges of messages? What are her motives? Could it be love or something else? Be careful!

h) Avoids camera chats and telephone calls

Lousy Scammer: “I’m sorry but I don’t have a telephone line and a camera”

You: “You can use a pay phone baby or give me a number and I’ll call you through it. Or you can go to a computer shop. I’m sure they have cameras there.”

Lousy Scammer: “I have a better suggestion baby.”

You: “What is it honey? Tell me!”

Lousy Scammer: “It’s embarrassing.”

You: “It’s okay. What is it?”

Here’s the catch.

Lousy Scammer: “Why don’t you send me some money so I can buy a computer and apply for a telephone line? I’ll chat with you on-line all the time and I’ll never forget to drop you a call. Promise!”

This may sound obvious but it worked in some cases. A man from Italy reported how a woman from Thailand has burgled him. It was too late when he didn’t receive any calls after the money was sent to her.

i) Inquiries made about your net worth.

What has real love got to do with net worth? Well, it matters a lot when she loves your net worth don’t you think?

2. Agencies or Webmasters

For agencies/match makers or websites that require any of the following, you need to be careful in dealing with them.

a) Registration Fee

b) Membership Fee

c) Introduction Fee

d) Arrangement Fee

e) “Mandatory” Donation

Any form of payment required for any of their services should be studied and decided upon carefully.

I hope this article provided you with enough information to be able to detect and avoid scammers. You can also contact us directly if you think you have been a victim of fraud.

What should I look for in a private investigator?

First, make sure that the investigator you are speaking with has an office and business telephone. Many of the investigators listed on the web are not in Costa Rica and merely “farm out” the work to locals with little or no oversight. Others simply work out of their homes and also employ less than reliable people to do the actual work. If in Costa Rica ask the investigator if you can visit them at their office. If they decline or ask you to meet them in a more public spot such as a restaurant, it is probably because they have no office.

If the only telephone number available is a cell phone (in Costa Rica all cell phones begin with the #8)then they are probably a “hobbyist” and are not professional investigators.In the alternative if they do not have a Costa Rican cell phone this is another indication of no presence in Costa Rica. If they have an office they will have a telephone number that begins with a “2″. Absent this you will probably be dealing with someone operating from their home or apartment and have no real resources to meet your demands.

If the matter you are having investigated will ultimately require testimony in the United States, inquire as to whether the investigator can travel to your jurisdiction to testify. If they are unable to travel to the jurisdiction to testify, the information and/or evidence they discover is of little or no value. Since there is no licensing authority in Costa Rica for private investigators it is important for you to know if the investigator has a criminal history either in Costa Rica or the United States.(This includes any agents or employees the investigator may use)

Check the investigator’s credentials.

If they list education or experience on their website and there is no substantive information concerning the education or experience, inquire as to where and when they obtained such qualifications. For example, if the web site indicates both investigations and security services it is usually means that one service is provided more than the other. Investigative skills and security skills are uniquely different and require vastly different education and training. Usually security people have military backgrounds whereas investigators have law enforcement backgrounds. If “former federal agents” are listed, ask to speak to them directly. Most former federal agents work for themselves and have no problem providing you with their vitae’.

Secondly, beware of investigators who say they have “special connections” with the government or police in Costa Rica. The United States Code(Chapter 15) has a statute (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, FPCA) that prohibits any American citizen or agent of American citizen paying bribes or giving other consideration to influence a government or private official to act or provide information not authorized by the laws of the foreign government. This is especially true for such information such as telephone and bank records. If you or an agent of yours violate the provisions of the FPCA you may be subject to criminal sanctions by the United States government. Obtaining telephone records in Costa Rica other than those that are yours is a felony.

Thirdly, if your particular inquiry involves a domestic issue, beware of investigators who use only one man surveillance teams. Experience investigators know that to be effective with surveillance, the target does not need to see the same face or car twice. Costa Rica is a small country, the people who live there are very observant, and that kind of activity is sure to call attention to any surveillance that is taking place. Also, experienced investigators know there is no such thing as a predetermined amount of time that will be required to conduct a successful sureveillance. Investigators who quote low rates are usually outsourcing the surveillance or do not have the experience to do a professional surveillance. A solid surveillance will have a tremendous amount of prep work prior to beginning the surveillance. The more prep work that is done prior to the surveillance will ultimately lower the overall costs of a surveillance. Regardless, it should be kept in mind that ALL surveillances are expensive.

Fourthly, make sure you are not intimidated by the investigator. Unfortunately, there are those who employ tactics less than ethical or honest. Some investigators here attempt to force you to employ them by demanding payment immediately or they will contact the subject of the inquiry and expose the investigation, thus rendering the inquiry useless. Since there is no licensing authority here to police such activities it is very important you rely on investigators that are willing to provide you assurances that they will recognize the confidentiality of the relationship and not do anything to thwart or hinder the investigation even if not employed.

Lastly, make sure that the investigator has a method to provide you with an detailed accounting of his time and expenses. If a retainer is required make sure that the investigator is not authorized to exceed that amount without your prior consent. An accounting of activities and expenses should be a good indicator of whether to proceed or not. Usually, professional investigators with an office have no problem providing you with such an accounting.