Tuanis Hostel Hostel Tuanis, Hostel Costa Rica Hostel Scam Costa Rica: Chef, Won trust, cooked well, promised discount items, then ran with the money San Pedro, San Jose, California
Erik Acuna Rojas paid for 2 nights stay and was very hospitable to the guests. He stated he was a professional chef and supported this alias by cooking well, cleaning plates and doing almost anything guests asked. He portrayed himself as being very humble and ensured everyone liked him. He informed the owner he was bringing in 9 of his friends for a week.
After two days of cooking, cleaning and building trust he informed management and guests that his cousin could get liters of discount Flora de Cana Rum for $10 a bottle. On 11 April he swindled $60 from the staff and $40 from guests then disappeared.
He did leave his real name, identification number and some personal details. He is from Grecia, Alajuela. A staff member went to Grecia the following day and learned that he was known in town and had tried to steal money from at least 2 small business owners there.
His family was contacted and they informed us he had stolen money from them as well and his whereabouts were unknown. Upon further inquiries the staff at Tuanis learned he had stolen $500 from a Spanish couple at a hostel in Alajuela and $100 from an American couple in San Carlos. He has been pulling cons for at least 3 years.
As of 11 April he is clean shaven with dark curly hair, approximately five feet tall, overweight and has a feminine voice. He is seen cooking in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrIXZD_A9p8 He has a very approachable demeanor but should not be trusted with any money, valuables or personal information.