Description

From the US Embassy Citizen Services US Citizen Alert Page:

Recent Announcements and Messages for U.S. Citizens

ALERT ON FRAUDULENT REQUESTS FOR BAIL FUNDS

The American Citizen Services unit of the U.S. Embassy, Panama, has received a number of calls in recent weeks regarding fraudulent requests for bail funds. The typical scenario is that a family member – parent, aunt, or grandparent – receives a call regarding an emergency of a son, nephew, or grandson allegedly in Panama. The call is sometimes from a third party, sometimes from someone claiming to be the actual family member in trouble. Sometimes the "emergency" is because of a traffic accident; sometimes it is an immigration violation. In all instances, the victim needs between $2,000 and $4,000. The family member is told that the U.S. Embassy in involved on behalf of the victim and is given a phone number to contact Embassy personnel for information on wiring funds. These calls are fraudulent and no Embassy personnel are involved.

Please be advised that the contact information for American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Panama City is (507) 207-7000 or Panama-ACS@state.gov. All phone numbers in the consular section begin with 011-507-207, as dialed from the U.S. Should you receive a call such as those described above, please contact us directly or have the alleged victim come to the Consular Section during business hours for assistance.