Exercise vigilance when doing money transfers at Christmas

Horace Hines, general manager JN Money Services (JNMS), has urged customers to be cautious when receiving remittance during the up-coming festive season.

Hines noted that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times during the 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."

SAFE AND CONVENIENT

Hines stated that JNMS 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," 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.

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.