Big scams involving real estate, investments, contract bribery, and banking are rampant in Costa Rica, but do not typically affect tourists.

However if you’re thinking about moving there know that the U.S. department of State rated Costa Rica as one of the worst places in the world for protecting the legal rights and interests of foreign residents and expats.

If you’re thinking about moving to or investing in Costa Rica you should educate yourself very carefully, hire a lawyer and hire an accountant. Then hire a private detective to do a background check on the lawyer and accountant before the lawyer and accountant check into any financial dealings you’re considering.

Real estate scams, Ponzi and pyramid schemes – you name it and it’s going full blast in Costa Rica.  Gambling is legal in Costa Rica and it’s a prime location for internet companies operating offshore gambling sites providing illegal online gaming in the U.S.  Recent prosecutions in the U.S. haven’t even made a dent.

Banking laws are lax and immense amounts of money are laundered and hidden in the system. Back in 2009, the banks themselves got into the fraud business when a Mexican chain stole billions of dollars from the Costa Rican people by offering high rates of return on savings accounts, collecting the deposits then simply closing their doors.