Use extra care when sending or receiving remittance during the up-coming busy festive season, Horace Hines, general manager JN Money Services (JNMS), urges owners and operators of the JN Money brand.
Mr Hines noted that the Christmas
period is one of the busiest times during year for remittance transactions. That
makes it appealing to financial predators; therefore, recipients need to be particularly
vigilant during the season.
“Money transfer operators normally deal with high volumes of transactions during
this period,” he said, indicating that, “Last year, Jamaicans in the Diaspora
sent remittances of approximately US$191.8 million for their loved ones here, to
enhance their ability to purchase gifts, have family Christmas dinners, and to
pay their bills.”
“Unfortunately, this means that customers may end up standing in lines waiting
for remittance transactions, which make them vulnerable to theft,” he stated.
“What we recommend for persons who choose to stand in line is that they take special
care to protect their personal property, such as: cell phones, wallets, bags
and jewellery; as well as, be more aware of persons in and around the location.”
Mr Hines stated that JMS facilitates safe and convenient remittance
transactions via multiple platforms; and, noted that: the safety of
technologies, such as the “JN Money Card” and “online services,” can reduce the
need for remittance recipients to join lines, or carry excess cash, during this
heavy shopping period.
“We developed the JN Money Card in
2004 to provide security and convenience,” he explained. “The JN Money Card functions
like a debit card, in that, it allows persons overseas to send funds directly
to the card; and the local user can access the funds from any ATM, or use it as
a debit card at any Point-of-Sale terminal,” Mr Hines noted. “This is much
safer than waiting in line for cash; and we encourage persons to use the
remittance technologies available, to reduce the need to stand in lines,” he
added.
Mr Hines stated that, despite the existence of the JN Money Card, some persons
still need to use cash for various reasons. He, therefore, advised customers to
exercise caution when conducting transactions at ATMs.
“If for whatever reason you need to use cash, there are some safety tips to
follow while at the ATM and after you leave. One of the things you should consider
is withdrawing only the sum you need for a particular transaction. Also, use
ATMs in well-lit areas and ones that are in areas with a lot of traffic,” he
advised, cautioning recipients to, “avoid those in lonely locations.”
Mr Hines also stated that, another safe
option was to use JN Money Online platform to send and receive money.
“Where possible, encourage relatives overseas to send money directly to your
accounts via www.www.jnmoneyonline.com. It
is fast, safe and convenient,” he explained. “One of the reasons we developed
that site was to give customers a service, which protects them; and provides
the opportunity to conduct transactions at their convenience.”
“The online remittance transfer method allows funds to be deposited directly to
your account; and, then you can use your debit card. That is an option which
should also be explored,” he stated.
He noted that customers should also pay attention to various scams.
“If someone calls you and informs you that you won a prize; but, you have to go
to a money transfer operator to make a payment to receive your prize, then that
should be a red flag,” he said.
Mr Hines emphasized that caution should also be exercised when using ATM’s.
“Whichever way you choose to conduct your money transactions during the festive
season, it is still important to be careful. Therefore, always protect your PIN,
and always use an ATM in an area where it is safe; and also, take note of your
surroundings when entering in and leaving the facility,” he said.
“Protect your personal possessions; and remember, at the end of the day, your life is your most
important possession, therefore, take care to protect yourself.”
