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Beware of Scammers

ExpatDave

Please be advised that there is a low-life scammer, a Gringo, using my photo when he attempts to scam people.  He is using a photo of me standing next to two Scarlet Macaws.  If you see this photo and someone is trying to buy or sell you something - IT IS NOT ME, it is a scam.

He attempted to scam me months ago and got as far as getting a copy of my Cedula.  He was also able to copy the picture I had on my phone on WhatsApp.  He stated he was going to transfer funds to my bank account to hold a moto that I had for sale on Craigslist.  Now I know... YOU CANNOT TRANSFER FUNDS BY PHONE IN COSTA RICA.  If someone tries to get any information about your bank account on the phone, it is a scam.

If you attempt to sell something in CR, only sell to people who are willing to personally meet with you.  I didn’t think I would ever be scammed by someone; however, they are very good, will come across as very professional, and I came very close.

I know of one person that I knew years ago who was already scammed using my photo.  I sincerely hopes no one else does.  Please advise people that you know of this.

- Expat Dave

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Priscilla

Hi Expat Dave,

Thanks for letting everyone know about that scam going on and we are sorry for you as well.  :(

If the scammer is here on Expat.com, the team can help you.
So can you please state where these scams are taking place please? Is it a fake profile on expat.com ?

Thanks for your feedback,

Priscilla
Expat.com team

ExpatDave

Priscilla wrote:

Hi Expat Dave,

Thanks for letting everyone know about that scam going on and we are sorry for you as well.  :(

If the scammer is here on Expat.com, the team can help you.
So can you please state where these scams are taking place please? Is it a fake profile on expat.com ?

Thanks for your feedback,

Priscilla
Expat.com team


It did not originate from Expat.com, no.  Unfortunately, Craigslist.  I filed something with the police and they said they are having a major problem right now with several Gringos here and a Tico that is familiar with banking procedures.  Apparently, they have scammed many thousands of dollars from people.   I was fortunate that I figured it out just in time.

GinnyP

Wow
Glad that you did figure this out before anything bad happened.
I’ve been hit hard by check fraud from a check I wrote. 4 people copied info from a check I sent out to a fair (here in the USA) but the people that did this tried to get 48 Thousand dollars from my back account
I had to file police reports, and I even tried to call the banks where they cashed. The bad checks, the banks DIDNT CARE! But I did & boy I was mad when the back just ok thanks. I gave the names of the people who cashed the checks and the tellers, but they still didn’t care.
I wanted to see all of them in handcuffs and marched off to jail. That didn’t happen either. I wanted justice but didn’t get it. So I had to stop writing checks and change banks to a different credit union

ExpatDave

I posted a warning to people on the Costa Rica Craigslist warning them not to trust anyone using my photo and/or name.   I posted under several headings.  I checked today and Craigslist had removed them.  I shouldn't be surprised.  I guess they prefer people not know the truth.