The Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) hosted an inter-institutional meeting organized by the Specialized Section on Computer Fraud of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), bringing together representatives from public and private banks, cooperatives, and other financial sector institutions. The session aimed to strengthen joint efforts to implement security measures that reduce fraud risks for customers.
Jose Ledezma, Corporate Services Manager at BCR, stated: “Permanentemente el BCR realiza un análisis de los tipos de fraude y los grupos que se ven afectados. Durante todo el año mantenemos estrategias que propicien la actualización y optimización de los sistemas y aplicativos que nos permitan adelantarnos a las incidencias, alienar medidas e impulsar cada vez más nuestros estándares de seguridad.”
The event included Paulo Sequeira Espinoza, Head of Investigations at the Specialized Section against Computer Fraud of the OIJ, along with investigators, specialists, analysts from the section, and security representatives from various financial entities. The main goal was to inform financial institutions about computer fraud statistics for 2025—including types of fraud and economic impact—and to identify institutional needs in order to develop coordinated mechanisms to combat crime.
Paulo Sequeira Espinoza commented: “Siempre es muy importante que exista este tipo de encuentros entre las entidades financieras y las autoridades judiciales. Entre mayor comunicación haya entre las partes se pueden implementar más acciones con mejores efectos para la ciudadanía y para que las personas pueden percibir que su dinero está más seguro.”
During the meeting, three financial institutions presented successful case studies. BCR shared details about its security measures implemented in 2025 that significantly reduced the percentage of affected cases.
Attendees were informed that in 2025, the most common types of fraud in San José involved Sinpe Móvil transfers, card fraud, destination accounts, impersonation as municipal officials or employers, fake websites, and fraudulent bank officials.
Looking ahead to 2026, BCR plans to continue its strategy by implementing robust tools designed to provide clients with secure experiences when using digital channels such as mobile applications or virtual offices.
