GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS), which operates Western Union agents throughout Jamaica, has temporarily closed six of the remittance outlets as it seeks to combat fraud across its network.

Three of the outlets impacted are in Montego Bay, while the others are in Falmouth, Trelawny; Brown’s Town, St Ann; and Spanish Town, St Catherine.

In a report yesterday, GraceKennedy Money Services says it has decided to close these locations because of an unusually high number of suspected fraudulent transactions being reported.

It’s not the first time that GraceKennedy has found itself having to halt operations due to suspected fraudulent activities. In 2011 an employee of the remittance company was charged with stealing millions from the company.

Following that incident, a number of Western Union international offices were also believed to have played a role in the illegal transfer of millions of dollars across other branches.

In responding to the claims, GraceKennedy reportedly said that the fraudulent transactions have occurred despite enhancement of its anti-fraud programmes and continued investment in technology.

While the company did not state how the closure would impact business, it noted that the affected locations will be reopened if and when it is satisfied that adequate additional anti-fraud measures have been taken.