Con man in Panama City

Reply To:	nancy burgess <burgessnancy7@gmail.com>

Hola Boquete:
This is Nancy, from Amigos. I am currently working in Panama City. I have become aware of a con man praying on American women.

 I was a victim on April 1st on my way back from Ecuador. Today I became aware of the scam when 2 customers shared a similar story with me. This happened to them just yesterday.
I would hope that you could warn Boquete travelers as they frequent this terminal. We are posting this info on Lonely Planet and all sources that we know are frequented by travelers.

This gentleman hangs out in the waiting area for the buses that leave from Panama City to David, Bocas or any area there about.
He is  tall African American. At least he claims to be. Wears nice sports attire, shorts and t-shirts with basketball logos. He asks if you are from the States and then proceeds to tell you that he is from Chicago and that he has been a victim of theft. Claiming he has no ID, is stranded w/o money or a way to receive it. He has a cell phone and fakes talking to his "wife". He tries to get you to give him money from an ATM but settles for quick cash.
After you give him the $, he starts adding up his possible expenses to see if you will give him more.
He does this on the weekends and claims he is stranded until the following work day when he can contact the US Embassy.
He got me for $10 on April 1st and my customers, Erica and Sasha gave him $20.
I shred my story and when they finishing my story with theirs, we realized we have been had.
He calls himself James, very nice and speaks perfect English. Knows a lot about the States and claims he is on his way to Costa Rica for a bachelor's party.
Please tell all travelers to be ware.

Thanks for your help.   

Nancy

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