Question 1

What is the "Fake Police Counterfeit-Money Wallet Check" scam in Panama City?

Accepted Answer

Two plainclothes men stop tourists on quiet streets, flash what look like police badges, and demand to inspect your wallet "to check for counterfeit bills." While handling your cash they palm banknotes before handing the wallet back — one reported case lost $200 this way. Genuine Panamanian police never ask to hold or count a tourist's money. Never hand your wallet or cash to anyone claiming to be police — real officers only ask to see ID. Ask to inspect their credentials up close and note the badge number, walk toward a busy, crowded area, and call 104 to verify before cooperating.

Question 2

What is the "Miraflores Locks Fake Handcraft Souvenir Scam" scam in Panama City?

Accepted Answer

At the souvenir concession area adjacent to the Miraflores Locks visitor centre, vendors sell mass-produced items labelled as handmade Emberá or Kuna indigenous crafts at prices that imply authenticity. The goods are factory imports from China or low-cost regional manufacturers with no connection to Panamanian indigenous communities. Tourists pay USD 30–80 for items worth a fraction of the price, believing they are supporting local artisans. The packaging and vendor patter specifically invoke indigenous culture to justify the premium. Purchase indigenous crafts from verified community cooperatives or from the IPAT-certified artisan markets in Casco Viejo. Ask vendors directly which community made the item and request a certificate of origin — authentic artisans can provide one.

Street Scams in Panama City

Fake Police Counterfeit-Money Wallet Check

Miraflores Locks Fake Handcraft Souvenir Scam

Experienced a scam here?