Panama Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Panama and how to report them to the National Police, the DIJ, and your bank.
Emergency number: 104 (police), 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Panama's position as a major international business and transit hub makes it a target for financial fraud, fake investment schemes, and tourist-targeted scams. The Panama National Police (Policía Nacional) handles crime reports and operates the emergency line 104; the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) investigates more serious criminal cases including cybercrime. Online fraud, romance scams, and fake job offers are increasingly common via social media and messaging apps. Acting immediately after any suspected fraud — especially contacting your bank — is the critical first step.
Common scams
- Fake investment and crypto platform scams
- Romance scams via social media and dating apps
- Fake job offers requiring upfront fees
- Online shopping non-delivery and fake e-commerce sites
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial taxi overcharging, especially at Tocumen International Airport
- Distraction theft in busy market and tourist areas
- Fake tour packages and excursion operators
Online shopping scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Panamanian banks
- Fake online shops and social media marketplaces
- Crypto and 'AI trading' investment fraud
Job scams
- Fake job offers requiring payment for visa or training documents
- Task scams via WhatsApp or Telegram paying small amounts then demanding deposits
Romance scams
- Dating-app relationships leading to cryptocurrency investment requests
- Long-distance romance with escalating money demands
Investment scams
- Unlicensed forex and crypto broker platforms
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Call the Panama National Police on 104 or 911 for emergencies
- Report criminal matters including cybercrime to the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ)
- Preserve all digital evidence including screenshots, messages, and transaction details
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the official number on your card or the bank app. The sooner you report, the better the chance of halting or reversing a fraudulent transfer.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the DIJ in Panama?
The Dirección de Investigación Judicial (DIJ) is the Judicial Investigation Directorate of the Panama National Police responsible for investigating serious crimes including cybercrime and financial fraud. It is the primary body for formal criminal complaints related to online scams.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance