Street Scams in San José, Costa Rica
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in San José — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Willemstad, Havana, and Montego Bay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in San José
How it works
The Mercado Central and surrounding blocks in downtown San José are hotspots for pickpockets who work in groups, using distraction or the crowded environment to steal phones and wallets.
How it works
In San José, scammers posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists and claim they are conducting a counterfeit currency investigation. They ask to inspect the victim's wallet and cash "to verify authenticity," then either swap genuine bills for counterfeits or pocket money while returning the wallet. This scam is well-documented in Costa Rica and specifically targets visitors on Avenida Central and in tourist-dense areas of downtown. Legitimate Costa Rican police never ask to handle a civilian's money.
See all scams in San José
10 total warnings across all categories