Costa Rica’s OIJ Warns of Surge in Virtual Kidnapping Scams

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Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) warn of a sharp rise in virtual kidnapping extortion cases targeting business owners and service providers, with complaints increasing more than sevenfold over the past year. Authorities urge vigilance as the scam proliferates across the country.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) is warning of a steep rise in “virtual kidnapping” extortion, with complaints jumping more than sevenfold over the past year — a pattern that authorities say increasingly targets people who run businesses or advertise services. Reports of the scam climbed from eight cases between January and May 2025 to […] The post Costa Rica’s OIJ Warns of Surge in Virtual Kidnapping Scams appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.