Panama authorities share tips for safe shopping and fraud prevention during salary payout

As Panamanians receive the second payment of their 13th-month salary, a period of increased spending and potential financial risks has arrived. Consumer protection agency Acodeco and the National Police are collaborating to equip citizens with the knowledge needed for secure shopping and to prevent fraud.

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We are all panicked, we immediately ran out of the house to save ourselves because the shaking was too strong and lasted quite a long time.

Jerónimo Ramírez, a financier with Acodeco, stressed the importance of thoughtful spending, especially for high-value items. He advised consumers to compare prices and quality across different stores before making a purchase. Crucially, shoppers should thoroughly review transaction terms, including return policies, product warranties, and the necessity of retaining purchase receipts for any potential claims or reports of misleading advertising. Financial authorities also encourage setting aside a portion of this income for savings, prioritizing household needs.

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We are very scared, we have already evacuated, I took my family to a relative's house far from the beach, afraid of a tsunami.

Victorino Ruiz, commissioner of the National Police's Citizen Security Sub-directorate, highlighted security measures for cash withdrawals and card usage. Key recommendations include being discreet with cash in public, choosing well-lit and busy ATMs, and maintaining privacy during transactions to prevent others from observing PINs or account details. The police will increase security and oversight in major commercial areas during the weekend to ensure compliance with consumer laws and protect the public from theft and scams.

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We were all panicked earlier, especially since my parents are also paralyzed, so I tried to push them out of the house.