WITH OVER 20 months to go before  World  Youth Day  in Panama, including the visit of Pope Francis, scam artists are already at work trying to raid the wallets of businesses and individuals.

They are using doctored letterheads  and false signatures  while  claiming to raise funds to enable poor children tp attend events.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Panama has issued  a warning to citizens, especially companies, to be alert to false requests.

These scams "take advantage of massive Catholic events to present a false need for support," say a a statement from the Archdiocese.

The communique said that neither the Catholic Church nor the local organizing committee will request donations in the name of a private individual . Citizens and companies were asked to contact the Archbishop of Panama at 229-­2923 if they receive a questionable request.