From 2015 to June 2017 the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) has received 641 complaints against companies claiming to provide tourist services.
Only in 2017, there have been 78 claims for forward sales, that is, those payments for which a refund is not obtained until later.
The numbers were revealed on Thursday morning, when the MEIC reported their concern about possible scams to which Costa Ricans are exposed.
For example, 112 complaints have been lodged against the Alalea Travel Agency. However, the company continues to offer its products and services through social networks, despite the fact that the MEIC recognized that the agency does not have the permits for forward sales.
This reality will not change until the cases are solved by the judicial process.
Geannina Dinarte, Minister of Economy, said that for now the MEIC may accompany the complainants or try to reach conciliation, but it cannot take action on companies.
Once again, the MEIC recommended not trusting the offers and making sure that the company offering the service is one of the 47 authorized. This information can be corroborated on the website of the ministry.