The Costa Rican Treasury yesterday sent out a nationwide alert.

The agency has discovered in-person and email scams happening in their name.

One method used by scammers is to visit businesses in person and pose as Fiscal Control Police (Police de Control Fiscal) agents claiming to be collecting taxes for the treasury department.

The treasury (Hacienda) said that they do not send their agents to collect taxes in person from businesses, or individuals, nor do they send the police to do so.

Another fraud tactic being used is via email, with messages being sent from this address: <[email protected]>. The messages request personal information in the name of the treasury department.

Again Hacienda clarified that they do not request personal information via email. And also explained that any official email communication from their offices will be done from the domain: @hacienda.go.cr.

The agency requests that people who receive such visits to their businesses or homes, or receive such emails can report this fraudulent activity to the Hacienda so they can try to stop the nefarious scamming.

Reports can be made via email at <[email protected]>; by phone at the following numbers 2539-4220, 2547-4592, or 2547-5377; or on the Hacienda application called “denuncie ya”.