CONSUMERS are being encouraged to strategise and reduce their use of cash during the holiday season and even beyond.

The advice comes from the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), in light of an increase in complaints of challenges in accessing cash at automated banking machines (ABMs).

Director of communications, Latoya Halstead, told a JIS think tank on December 14 that those persons who can, should consider online transactions for bill payments and other expenses.

“Many persons are going to be trying to access cash. It is going to be an issue. So, you need to prepare because, at the end of the day, you have no control in terms of the outlets where cash is or is not,” she said.

The director has also urged individuals who must use AMBs to pay keen attention to their surroundings, as persons with nefarious intentions may use it as an opportunity to attack ABM users.

Halstead said persons must also be prudent when shopping this Yuletide season to avoid overspending.

“Be very cautious. Christmas is not the be-all and end-all of everything. There is a new year coming. You have many more bills to pay, and you have to live through the month of January. So, do not buy what you want but rather what you need,” she said.

The CAC is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce. Its role is to enforce the Consumer Protection Act and facilitate ethical behaviour in the marketplace between vendors and consumers.