Costa Rica Private Investigator

How Does Surveillance Work?

The most important stage of the surveillance investigation is getting to know the “subject” or as it is in many instances the suspected cheater. Information that would be necessary such as knowing what the cheating husband, cheating boyfriend, cheating wife, cheating girlfriend likes, dislikes, habits, type of food preferred, favorite restaurants frequented, employment information, hobbies, vehicles driven, possible person he/she might be cheating with, and a description of all parties. Provide information on everything if you suspect your spouse/partner of cheating as, the more you provide upfront, the better the chance for success. Leaving out a detail or two can have a dramatic effect on outcome of the surveillance.

Once obtained and reviewed “a feel” for the subject and knowing his/her habits, the fieldwork, or surveillance, begins. While some private investigators hold themselves out to be surveillance experts, you know your spouse/partner better than they do and, the more information that you can provide them, the better chance for success in the field.

As the surveillance progresses, most clients want regular reports or communication regarding what we are finding in the field. Communication with clients on a continuing basis is an indispensable part of a professional surveillance strategy. While some prefer not to receive a report until the conclusion of the infidelity investigation and surveillance, it is generally recommended to have regular communications to discuss service and to implement changes when necessary. Most professional private investigators will  determine the best method of communicating and frequency based on the circumstances of the surveillance.

Surveillance in Costa Rica

With most private investigators it is common knowledge that the cheater is, generally, aware that someone may be watching or following him/her. Usually, this makes people become more aware of their surroundings while cheating. At times both the subject and the person who he/she is cheating with are both cheating, making it even more difficult to follow them without being seen. Circumstances like these can make it more practical to use a second investigator. While this will increase the cost, using two investigators on surveillance diminishes the chance of being burnt during the surveillance or losing the subject in traffic. Most successful surveillance operations involve a two or more person team. This especially true in Costa Rica.

There are times when infidelity, or cheating, is just not taking place even though you have seen signs to the contrary. There are also times when the cheating is far too infrequent with no established patterns, or so well hidden, that catching the cheater is not possible using normal investigative techniques.

Confidentiality and Discretion

All surveillance investigations should be completely confidential and private. Your identity, along with all information that we obtain on your behalf, should be maintained in the strictest of confidence. Information that obtained as a result of the surveillance should only be provided to you or your attorney.

If you have a surveillance that needs to be conducted in Costa Rica, be sure you vet the Investigator you contact. There are only a few here and caution should be exercised particularly with people that want you to send money via Western Union. Caution should also be exercised with people who have only been here for the past year or so. Some boast of their background but few can back it up. Be especially cautious of people who hold themselves out as consultants. The ones I know are retirees and have no real practical experience in private investigation. Just because they worked for the government doesn’t make them a good or reliable private investigator.

Costa Rica Real Estate is showing signs of recovery

Although sluggish like the American Real Estate industry the Costa Rica real Estate market continues to see property sell and new buildings being built. There are certainly no shortage of commercial construction sites to be seen throughout the San Jose area. However, the residential market seems to be stalled as far as new home construction remains somewhat dormant.

San Jose has seen a number of high rise apartment complexes spring up. Some are condominiums others are just for pure rental. Affordable housing for the Costa Rica population continues to be a challenge. As far as single family homes only the more exclusive areas have seen any kind of activity.

The coast presents a different set of circumstances. Most that come here are lured to the beaches and surrounding areas. Presently there is no shortage of homes and property for sale all along the coast. Bargain hunters are dismayed at the fact that despite the poor economic environment has done little to change the selling price of such property.

It’s not clear whether it is the actual property value that is causing the prices to remain high or if it’s the culture that seems not willing to sell any thing less than what was paid for. Rarely is there a “short sale” here. Recently, there have been public notices about buying foreclosed property. However upon closer examination, the lending institutions are unwilling to sell a foreclosed property for less than what is owed. In many cases this amount exceeds the value of the property. It is advisable to have a due diligence investigation conducted prior to entering into an agreement to purchase any property here in Costa Rica.

Another problem that potential investors face is the government of Costa Rica continued efforts to make purchasing and maintain property in Costa Rica more difficult. This combined with the ever present risk of falling victim to a land scam makes purchasing property here a challenge. Despite the negatives Costa Rica still presents an invitation to own a piece of tropical paradise within striking distance to the United States. There are some things that can be done to diminish the risk.

Some Helpful Tips

First, remember that there is no license requirement to be a Real Estate Agent in Costa Rica. There is no government or administrative oversight of people who hold themselves out to be Real Estate agents. If no due diligence is done prior to interacting with such a person, the outcome may cost you a lot of grief and money.  Prior to signing any agreement, employ the services of a reliable and trustworthy private investigator to do a background check on the agent. This could save you money and heartache.

Secondly, never sign an agreement without having a Costa Rica Attorney review and explain it’s contents in English. All real estate purchase and sale agreements are written in Spanish. Two things to consider with regard to this; first there is no word for word translation between Spanish and English; secondly, Costa Rica Law is a codified system of law commonly know as Napoleonic Law. It operates in stark contrast to the common law most Americans are familiar with. Finally, all real estate transactions must be done by a licensed Costa Rica Attorney. Make sure that the attorney you select is reliable and honest.

Cheater Data and Stats

Often I get inquiries about a suspected cheater and there seems to a frequency of conduct that is similar to all cases. Below I have listed Indicators of a cheater. Although not exhaustive, it is sufficient to alert you to the possibility of a cheater in your house. Infidelity not only hurts you but it has consequences that reach to innocent third parties such as children an other family members.

·      Changes in intimacy, this can be in the form of an increase or decrease in intimacy and affection as the most common sign of a cheating spouse.

·      Suspicious Phone habits, a common denominator is the cell phone. Spouse hiding their cell phone do so for a reason.

·      Changes in appearance, Although each case is unique, the clearest indicator that is found has been the change of appearance.

·      Suspicious Internet Use, staying up late to work on the computer is a big indicator, Excessive internet usage especially late at night is a red flag.

·      Changes in work habits, Many investigators agree that changes in work routine including a new job, recent layoff or a sudden need to work late regularly can be indicators of infidelity

·     Changes in bathing habits; Thy either start dressing different, are more concerned about appearance or change their style of intimate wear. This along with a change physical appearance and hygiene are good indicators

Other questions I get are about the statistics of a Cheater

·         Average cost of infidelity investigations; $2,377

·         Length of investigation: 4 hours to 6 months

·         Investigations that verify infidelity; 75%

·         Married people that cheat; 30%-60%

·         Who was the cheating spouse?  Men 55%   Women 45%

·         Is your intuition correct? Wives who suspect their husbands are cheating are correct 85% of the time; Husbands who suspect their wives are cheating are correct 50% of the time; 

If you notice any of these changes in your loved one, you may want to call the professionals investigators who will get to the bottom of your suspicions. Call 321-218-9209