Digital Scams Overtake Street Robberies as Costa Rica’s Primary Security Threat

Online scams in Costa Rica spiked 41% in 2025, with authorities warning that digital fraud is now more prevalent than traditional street crime and robberies.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 8:45 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Rising Statistical Trends and Demographic Impact

The scale of the digital crime wave is underscored by a 41% increase in online fraud cases recorded in 2025, totaling 10,027 incidents. This follows a broader trend where cybercrimes nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024. Statistics reveal that the Greater Metropolitan Area is the primary target zone, accounting for 79% of all reported cases. The most vulnerable demographic has been identified as adults between the ages of 30 and 39. Daily reports of online fraud have climbed significantly, rising from an average of 19 to 27 complaints per day within a single year.

The Shift from Physical to Digital Crime

Criminal dynamics in Costa Rica underwent a fundamental transformation following the COVID-19 pandemic. As the population moved toward digital tools for daily transactions, traditional street criminals adapted their tactics. OIJ investigators note that many individuals previously involved in physical thefts have transitioned to digital fraud due to the lower personal risk and the ease of remote execution. In 2024, approximately ₡4.5 billion ($8.3 million) was siphoned from victims' accounts, and the first half of 2025 already saw losses exceeding ₡2.6 billion ($4.8 million).

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Organized Fraud

The emergence of sophisticated artificial intelligence has added a complex layer to the domestic threat landscape. Criminal networks are now utilizing AI to craft highly convincing phishing emails, simulate voices for phone scams, and create fraudulent identities that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate ones. Cybersecurity experts point out that these are not isolated amateur attempts but professionalized operations. Organized groups often operate in specialized roles, where some focus on the theft and sale of personal data while others execute the final fraudulent transactions.