At Coldwell Banker Costa Rica, we are committed to protecting our clients, affiliates, and community from fraud and identity theft. Below are several alerts and important guidelines to help you avoid becoming a victim of scams related to real estate transactions and communications.
SUGEF NOTICE: The public is hereby informed that Coldwell Banker Costa Rica is supervised solely in matters related to the prevention of money laundering, financing of terrorism, and financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, it is subject to binding regulations issued by the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Costa Rican Drug Institute. Therefore, SUGEF does not supervise Coldwell Banker Costa Rica in financial matters, nor the businesses it offers, nor its security, stability, or solvency. As regulated entities, our commitment is to adhere to Costa Rican regulations, and as such, due diligence policies are applied to every transaction.
Employment Scam Alert
Please be aware of fraudulent job offers falsely using the names of Coldwell Banker or its parent company. These scams may include:
- Fake job listings on third-party websites
- Impersonated recruiters conducting interviews via messaging apps
- Requests for personal information, banking details, or fees
Note: Coldwell Banker Costa Rica and its affiliates will never ask for sensitive information via email or chat platforms. If you are unsure about a job opportunity, verify it directly through our official channels.
Email Spoofing Using Coldwell Banker Leadership
There have been phishing attempts involving spoofed emails that appear to come from company leadership, requesting personal responses or financial information.
Be cautious of:
- Emails claiming to be from company executives
- Messages that include or reference wiring instructions
Always confirm the authenticity of such communications by contacting our office directly. Do not click unknown links or respond to suspicious emails.
Wire Fraud Targeting Buyers and Tenants
Hackers may gain access to emails and send fraudulent wiring instructions during a transaction. These emails may appear legitimate and reference known parties.
Protect yourself:
- Always call your real estate agent, attorney, or escrow company using a verified number to confirm any wire instructions.
- Never trust phone numbers or links included in an email that discusses funds transfer.
Funds sent to fraudulent accounts are typically unrecoverable.
Contractor and Advertising Scams
Scammers may cold-call businesses claiming to be part of Coldwell Banker’s “Preferred Contractor” program, asking for payments for printing or advertising services. These schemes often reference fake domains (e.g., @coldwellbankerllc.com) and are not associated with Coldwell Banker Costa Rica.
Rental Scams on Craigslist and Social Media
Several scams involve fake rental listings or Facebook messages asking for deposits to secure apartments. Scammers claim to represent Coldwell Banker, often saying the property owner is unavailable and requesting wire transfers.
Red Flags:
- Use of platforms like Craigslist or Facebook to offer properties
- Requests to send money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or similar
- The landlord is "traveling" or cannot meet in person
Important Tips:
- Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
- Confirm agent details via our Office Directory.
- Be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true.
Who Should You Contact to Report Scams?
- Coldwell Banker Costa Rica: info@coldwellbankercostarica.com
- U.S. FTC Complaint Center: www.ftc.gov / 877-382-4357
- Internet Fraud Center: www.ic3.gov
- Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ): https://sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr/index.php
Stay informed. Stay protected.
Coldwell Banker Costa Rica
Costa Rica: +506-4104-7055
US: +713-292-0144
info@coldwellbankercostarica.com
