Using Cellular Phone in Banks Can Cause You Problems
Like talking on the cell phone? More so, like talking on your cell phone while waiting in line at the bank? Well, think twice before entering a state bank - Banco de Costa Rica and Banco Nacional - with your cell phone to your ear.

Both institutions have in place a security measure that will permit security guards to ask customers using a cellular telephone while in the bank to turn it off or leave the premises.

In fact, the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), is facing a lawsuit by two of it's customers for just that reason. Eric Navarro Ramírez and Jorge Mario Marín, are claiming that the bank's policy is unconstitutional, namely article 48 of the Constitution.

The BCR is defending it's policy and strict adherence to it, saying it is to prevent bank assaults and especially for the security of its customers.

The bank says that anti-socials have int he past used a cellular telephone to communicate to their associates outside of the bank of their potential victims, by keeping a watchful eye on customers who make large withdrawls and where they are carrying the money, calling the outside associate who then robs the customer some distance - up to 2 kilometres - from the bank.

Miguel Arguedas, General Manager for the BCR, admits that the practice is ongoing, however, is quick to point out that the customers are asked to turn off their cell phones, but not pressured in case they do not.

For his part, Jorge Rojas, Director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), says that banks should perhaps consider placing greater security efforts in other areas. "The security measures are much more integral than avoiding the use of cellular phones in banks, people must be stopped from carrying weapons in the banks", were the words of OIJ director Rojas.

Following the massacre at the Banco Nacional in Monteverde last month, banks have tightened security measures and enforcing some old rules, like not permitting customers to wear hats or dark glasses while in the bank, checking bags and packages of suspicious persons entering the bank and at the BCR branches downtown, keeping the door locked at all times, opening the door and greeting each customer.

At the Banco Nacional in La Sabana, customers have to place any "metallic" items in a locker provided by the bank next to the entrance and need to pass through a cublicled metal detection system. Customers need to enter a glassed cubicle where a door closes behind them and the one in front doesn't open until a complete scan is completed, taking only a second or so.

At private banks, like the Scotiabank in Rohrmoser, security is seamless. No bars, no metal detection system and open counters without a glass plate separating customers from the tellers.

Unlike the state banks, private banks offer a more open system, though they assure they have tight security measures in place that include closed circuit cameras and armed security guards. At the Banco Interfin branches, a security officer with a shotgun greets customers entering the bank. Inside, security officers wear a suit and tie and no visible firearms.

Rogelio Ramos, Ministro de Seguridad Pública, expressed his concern for customer safety, especially in the face that anti-socials are targeting customers more than the bank itself. "It is a fact  that thieves don't hit on the old lady paying her bills, but on those who are withdrawing large amounts of cash and there is someone telling those on the outside who to hit."

Francisco Echandi, Operations Manager at Bac San José, a private bank, agrees with the state bank's policies on cellular phone use, saying "first we place the security of our customers, then that of our employees and experience has shown us that there are those who use a cellular phone inside the bank to alert their accomplices on the outside. One of our clients was shot 8 times. Fortunately he did no lose his life. And that is only one example."