Fraud Alert – U.S. Embassy San Jose
December 10, 2019
Location: Costa Rica, nationwide
Event: American Citizen Services has received reports from U.S. citizens living in Costa Rica reporting telephone calls from individuals purporting to work for the U.S Embassy in San Jose. The callers state the Embassy is updating profiles of U.S. citizens for the Costa Rica Ministry of Hacienda in relation to recent tax law changes. The callers request personal information such as passport and social security numbers. The callers have also directed people to a website that solicits bank account login and password information. The United States Embassy reminds American citizens that Embassy staff will not initiate calls to U.S. citizens offering assistance with host government legislation and regulations.
Actions to Take:
- Do not provide personally sensitive information such as social security numbers or bank account information to callers purporting to work for the U.S. Embassy.
- If you receive a call, file a complaint report at your local OIJ office.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy at 2519-2059 and ask to speak to a Citizen Services Specialist if you have additional questions or concerns.
- Review information regarding financial scams targeting American citizens at home and abroad at Travel.State.Gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/international-financial-scams.html
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica
+(506)2519 2000 (after hours as well)
State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates https://step.state.gov/step/
