Thread: Background checks on Panamanians??

Is there a way to do legal background checks on Panamanians especially lawyers and real estate agents?

I've traveled through Panama numerous times looking at various business ventures and real estate. I was recently in the Azuero Peninsula and met a guy who was well educated, spoke perfect English and seemed to be knowledgeable about everything Panamanian.

He tried to sell me on the area and all the real estate "potential" that is out there.

I returned to the city after a few days and ran into an acquaintance of mine. We had sat down for lunch and I began telling him about my trip to the peninsula. As soon as I mentioned the name of the person I ran into they quickly warned me to stay away. They knew of this guys shady business dealings and even that he had several lawsuits against him. Apparently in Panama lawsuits don't mean a damn thing.

It was honestly quite scary to think that somebody as smooth as this guy was preying on foreigners. I of course googled the guy and didn't find any glaring warnings but I was surprised at the connections he seems to have.

I've found through my travels that it is the educated, knowledgeable and smooth talking people that usually turnout to be scam artists.

The country is small. Before you do any business with anybody shop that person's name around. It is easy to have connections here but if you are a scumbag everybody will know.

Yeah it seems like everybody knows everybody.

Scam artists seem to thrive in places like Panama because there is so much mis-information floating around. Its hard to find a reliable source of factual information. I suppose thats how some people like it, that way they can run their own games under limited rules.

When you think about it there are A LOT of people showing up at the door of Panama with 6 or 7 figures burning a hole in their pocket and they really don't know anything or anybody. That makes for a lot of opportunity for the wrong people.

Every body in Panama has connections but connections really dont mean much. There are still rules and guidelines out there that will eventually come to haunt you. Its better to get things done properly and right. For example someone was trying to sell land in Azuero for a million dollars that wasnt even theirs and they managed to get a check from a buyer. I dont know how anyone falls for this.

Getting background checks its impossible unless the person signs for you to retrieve their police record. As for lawyers try going to the colegio de abogado to see if that lawyer has any complaints against him. I work for a law firm and we have two lawyers on our staff that are efficient and speak fluent English. Feel free to send me a private message if you wish.

Our lawyers also dont make a profit by selling you products or real estate you dont need or want. They are salary lawyers so will give you the best advice possible.

Originally Posted by Panamanian Offshore

I work for a law firm and we have two lawyers on our staff that are efficient and speak fluent English. Feel free to send me a private message if you wish.

Our lawyers also dont make a profit by selling you products or real estate you dont need or want. They are salary lawyers so will give you the best advice possible.

Looks like we have another BRAND NEW poster soliciting on the forum. Hello Panamanian Offshore, what company do you work for? No doubt you can give us a name since you are soliciting for legal advice?

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Looks like we have another BRAND NEW poster soliciting on the forum. Hello Panamanian Offshore, what company do you work for? No doubt you can give us a name since you are soliciting for legal advice?

Sovereign Law Center.

However I'm not a Lawyer I was a Private Banker at a large bank.

Great, what's the website, what is the contact info other than send you a private message?

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Great, what's the website, what is the contact info other than send you a private message?

Thanks - We are un Punta Pacifica on the ground floor in front of El Javillo our phone number is 209-6700.

Offshore-Protection.com

Originally Posted by Panamanian Offshore

Sovereign Law Center.

However I'm not a Lawyer I was a Private Banker at a large bank.

You have to realize that I have to question anybody that pops into this forum and starts fishing for customers in regards to legal services, correct? What I am going to do is ban you for now. If you would like this account restored contact the admin of this forum and plead your case.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

You have to realize that I have to question anybody that pops into this forum and starts fishing for customers in regards to legal services, correct? What I am going to do is ban you for now. If you would like this account restored contact the admin of this forum and plead your case.

Very well I understand your concern but I wasn't giving legal advice.

No but you are soliciting and Brand New. Let me ask you, how much of an advantage does a person with Panamanian citizenship have in a court of law in Panama against a foreign national?

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

No but you are soliciting and Brand New. Let me ask you, how much of an advantage does a person with Panamanian citizenship have in a court of law in Panama against a foreign national?

I'm not sure how much again I am not a lawyer but I can ask and send you a PM if you'd like.

Please know and understand I am not personally attacking you but just trying to watch out for forum members.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Please know and understand I am not personally attacking you but just trying to watch out for forum members.

I completely understand and no offense is taken. I am sure if one of your members were to be taken advantage of the last thing you want to hear is that it was because Panamaforum.com did not moderate or filter well enough.

It's all good, please feel free to continue to contribute. Good info is always appreciated.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

It's all good, please feel free to continue to contribute. Good info is always appreciated.

Very well, back on track yes the best way to check references is by asking around Panama is very small and any skeletons someone has in their closet do come out eventually. Also go to the colegio de abogado (its their association) if a lawyer has any complaint against them you can check their record there.