OIJ Issues Urgent Warning Over Rising WhatsApp Hijacking and Dollar Exchange Scams

Costa Rica’s OIJ reports 62 incidents of WhatsApp account hijacking used to sell fake US dollars, resulting in losses of millions of colones.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 10:18 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Mechanics of the Hijack: Trust as a Weapon

The scam is built on social engineering rather than a purely technical breach. Criminals first gain control of a target's WhatsApp account—often by tricking the user into clicking a malicious link or sharing a six-digit verification code. Once the account is compromised, the scammer sends mass messages to the victim’s contact list, offering to sell dollars at a rate significantly lower than the current market price (typically ¢30 to ¢50 cheaper).

Because the offer appears to come from a friend, family member, or colleague, the recipient’s guard is lowered. Victims are instructed to deposit colones into a third-party bank account with the promise that the dollars will be transferred immediately. Once the deposit is made, the scammer severs contact, leaving the victim with a total financial loss and the original account holder locked out of their service.

Financial Impact and Victim Demographics

OIJ investigator Roger Araya emphasized that the speed of these transactions makes them difficult to intercept. Many victims have deposited several million colones before realizing the account owner had no knowledge of the transaction. The 62 reported cases represent only a portion of the actual activity, as many victims may feel embarrassed to report a scam involving a personal contact or may not believe the funds can be recovered.

In some instances, the fraud has led to personal confrontations. Victims have approached their acquaintances in person to demand the promised dollars, only to discover that the individual’s phone had been compromised hours earlier. This secondary social fallout highlights the unique damage caused by scams that exploit personal relationships.