Cybercrime is no longer a distant threat or a rare occurrence in Costa Rica. It has become a pressing issue, and the numbers tell a sobering story. According to Randall Zúñiga, Director of the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), the landscape of crime in Costa Rica has shifted dramatically in recent years. Once dominated by street-level offenses, the country now faces an alarming rise in sophisticated cybercrimes that affect everyday citizens and institutions alike.
Let’s delve into the data, the causes, and what Costa Ricans need to know to protect themselves in this evolving digital battlefield.
Cybercrime: The New Face of Crime in Costa Rica
The statistics paint a worrying picture. In 2023, Costa Rica reported 5,259 cybercrimes, but by the end of 2024, that number had nearly doubled to 10,040 cases. This means Costa Rica went from experiencing 14 cybercrimes a day in 2023 to 27 per day in 2024—a staggering 90% increase in just one year.
Looking back a decade, cybercrime barely registered as a concern. In 2014, it accounted for just 0.3% of all crimes reported in the country. Fast forward to today, and cybercrime now makes up 9% of all reported crimes. This rapid growth has left Costa Rican authorities scrambling to adapt to the new reality.
The Pandemic’s Role in Accelerating Cybercrime
Randall Zúñiga pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant turning point in the evolution of crime. With health measures forcing people to stay home and rely heavily on digital tools, criminals saw an opportunity to shift their tactics. Traditional street robberies gave way to more remote forms of theft, such as phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, and scams on social media.
“Criminals realize that it is easier to scam remotely, through a call or an email,” said Zúñiga. The shift not only expanded the reach of criminals but also made their activities harder to track and stop.
The Role of Technology in Cybercrime’s Surge
Technology has been a double-edged sword. While it has revolutionized the way people live and work, it has also made it easier for criminals to execute scams. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has added another layer of complexity. AI tools can now generate highly convincing phishing emails, fake identities, and even voice simulations to deceive victims.
These advancements make it increasingly difficult for victims to recognize scams before it’s too late. Criminals can impersonate trusted individuals or organizations with alarming accuracy, leaving victims vulnerable to financial losses and identity theft.
Why Cybercrimes Are Harder to Solve
One of the biggest challenges for Costa Rican authorities is the anonymity of cybercriminals. Unlike traditional crimes, where witnesses or physical evidence can lead to a suspect, cybercrimes are committed behind screens. Criminals can operate from anywhere in the world, using encryption and other technologies to hide their identities.
In the past, law enforcement could rely on witness descriptions, physical evidence, and localized investigations. Today, police forces must navigate a web of digital clues, often involving international cooperation and specialized expertise. This shift has stretched resources thin and highlighted the need for enhanced training and tools to combat cybercrime.
The Financial Impact of Cybercrime
The consequences of cybercrime go far beyond inconvenience. Victims often lose significant sums of money, sometimes their entire savings or salaries. Zúñiga noted that the amounts being stolen are considerably higher than those involved in street crimes. This amplifies the emotional and financial toll on victims and their families.
For example, scams involving fake online investments, fraudulent loan offers, and phishing attacks on bank accounts have become increasingly common. Criminals prey on trust and urgency, pushing victims to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of requests.
How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrime
Given the alarming rise in cybercrime, it’s essential for Costa Ricans to take proactive measures to protect themselves. Here are some practical steps:
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communication
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Verify the identity of anyone requesting personal or financial information.
- Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
- Opt for unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
- Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
- Keep Software Updated
- Ensure your devices and applications have the latest security updates to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Monitor Bank Accounts Regularly
- Check your financial statements frequently for any unauthorized transactions.
- Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
- Educate Yourself and Others
- Stay informed about common scams and share this knowledge with family and friends.
- Awareness is one of the best defenses against cybercrime.
The Call for Vigilance and Reporting
Authorities, including the OIJ, urge the public to report any incidents of cybercrime, no matter how small they may seem. Reporting helps law enforcement track trends, identify hotspots, and allocate resources more effectively. It also increases the chances of holding cybercriminals accountable.
Randall Zúñiga emphasized, “The public must remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information online. If you fall victim to a cybercrime, report it immediately.”
What’s Next for Costa Rica?
The rise of cybercrime has pushed Costa Rican authorities to rethink their strategies and invest in better tools and training. Collaboration with international agencies and private tech companies will be crucial in staying ahead of evolving threats.
Additionally, raising public awareness about cyber risks and promoting digital literacy will play a significant role in reducing vulnerabilities. As Costa Rica continues to modernize its digital infrastructure, balancing convenience with security will remain a top priority.
Cybercrime in Costa Rica is not just a passing trend—it’s a growing problem that demands attention from individuals, businesses, and the government. With cases nearly doubling in a single year, the stakes have never been higher. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, Costa Ricans can protect themselves and their communities from falling victim to these sophisticated crimes.
The fight against cybercrime is far from over, but with collective effort and the right strategies, Costa Rica can safeguard its digital future.
