Panama Forum

BoqueteGirl
Joined 2014
Posts: 681

8 years ago

CREDIT CARD FRAUD AND PANAMA

8 years ago

Hello my Friends and Fellow Bloggers:

I have been reading a lot about the usage of credit cards in Panama. So I decide to relate my personal experience and my fellow friends experiences.

I went shopping to a small mall in downtown David. Next to the mall is a Polo store. (wish I could remember the name of the mall) It's smack in the middle of downtown. I purchase a pair of flip-flops and gave him my U.S. debit card. He took forever processing my card and he kept looking at the back of my card. My purchase was for $21.00. I check my checking account daily. About two or three days after my purchase, a charge came through from Amazon for $2.75. The next day a charge came through for $800.00 which my bank honored. The next day 3 more debits came through for around $600. each. My bank became suspicious and denied the 3 - $600. charges and sent me an email. I might add that this was the first time I did not check my account daily as my husband was in the hospital. I called them and they researched it and said the charges were coming from England. So after talking with the bank, they said it was probably the last place I gave my card to. I told them that it had to be because I had not used my debit in about two weeks. They immediately refunded me all the funds and said they would wait for a protest from the merchant. The point I am trying to make is like PJ and I and many others have said, try to use ONLY CASH.

I had two friends who stayed at Tryp Hotel at Albrook Mall. After paying for their stay, the very next day several charges started coming through for just shy $1,000. each. That was the only place they used their card. With zero liability cards they too were refunded.

We also had a double charge come through from the Riande Airport Hotel for an extra night. But after calling them, we were quickly refunded our money. Very pleased with their response.

So the point I am making is, be sure and use the (BANKS) cash machines to get daily cash and pay the $4.00 fee for peace of mind. The hotels you may stay at may be reputable hotels, but you never know about the staff. Also, try and pay for your hotels on line before you come to Panama and print out your "paid in full" receipts.

Just hoping to save someone from any heart ache. Come to Panama and have a wonderful time and be safe.

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.