Scam in Costa RicaTheft
Theft from parked vehicles in Costa Rica
How it works
Thieves take belongings from parked vehicles.
Warning signs
- Bags or valuables are visible inside the vehicle.
- The vehicle is parked in an unsecured area.
How to avoid it
- Take valuables with you.
- Lock doors and close windows.
- Choose a parking building or an area behind a locked fence.
If it happens to you
Photograph any damage when safe. Report the theft and notify the rental company if applicable.
- Get to a safe, busy place. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, messages, vehicle numbers and the time and place.
- Freeze or block missing cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
- Contact the relevant hotel, transport provider or seller. For a stolen rental vehicle, contact the rental company.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/CostaRicaTravel2026A great time but be alertA traveller reports that their locked car was broken into near Playa Hermosa by Uvita while they swam, taking all their belongings.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/CostaRicaTravel2023Theft from car questionA commenter recounts finding their supposedly locked car unlocked and their phone stolen after a supermarket stop lasting less than ten minutes.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the theft from parked vehicles scam in Costa Rica?
Thieves take belongings from parked vehicles.
How can I spot it early?
Bags or valuables are visible inside the vehicle. The vehicle is parked in an unsecured area.
How do I avoid theft from parked vehicles in Costa Rica?
Take valuables with you. Lock doors and close windows. Choose a parking building or an area behind a locked fence.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Photograph any damage when safe. Report the theft and notify the rental company if applicable.
Where in Costa Rica does this happen?
Parked vehicles in San José It has been reported in San José.
How common is this scam in Costa Rica?
Occasional. Tourists can face taxi overcharging, unlicensed drivers, false offers of help and petty theft in Costa Rica. Be especially careful at airport exits, around bus terminals and with unattended bags or parked cars. Some tourist shops and airport food outlets also charge very high prices.
Are there similar scams in Costa Rica?
Yes: flat-tire help used to steal, street and nightlife theft, theft from overhead bus luggage.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger or an emergency. Police: report theft or fraud. Bring the time, location, evidence and any vehicle details. Ask for a written record or report reference. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a missing card and dispute unauthorized charges. Hotel management, transport provider or seller: report the incident promptly. Provide receipts, booking details or the taxi number, and ask for a written response. Rental company: contact the company promptly if a rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. Follow its reporting instructions. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep receipts and police records to support a claim. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Costa Rica?
Emergency services: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck