With the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) reporting a significant increase in fraud complaints last year when compared to 2022, the island’s third largest commercial bank, in terms of assets, JN Bank, has taken to the streets to urge its customers to play their part in preventing fraudulent activities on their accounts.

According to Leesa Kow, managing director of JN Bank, keen partnerships between citizens, the State, and banking institutions are necessary to effectively combat fraud and cybercrimes.

Addressing JN members in St Thomas, Manchester, and St Ann during a series of face-to-face meetings recently, Kow provided practical information on how to bank safely and protect oneself from cybercriminals.

“We want you to be aware of what’s happening. Stay on top of things happening in your parish. Digest the information that JN provides in forums like these, and from the police, so that you know what’s happening,” Kow told JN Bank members.

She urged Jamaicans to ensure that their banks, including JN Bank, have up-to-date information about them, such as their address and cellphone number, so that they can be contacted by the institution and provided with information and alerts that will keep them aware of changes and activities on their account.

Kow pointed out that when banks have current information on customers, the institutions can also provide information on how customers should interact with their bank, and, importantly, how to keep themselves safe from criminals.

“If you know what to look for and what action to take ahead of time, you can prevent or reduce the impact and inconvenience, and that’s what we want you to help us with,” Kow encouraged JN members.

“I want you to listen closely to what the police have to say as well as our JN fraud security expert and digest the information. And tell your neighbours and friends so that they will be aware too,” added Kow.

She was supported in St Thomas and Manchester by Deputy Superintendent of Police Warren Williams, who is second in command at the Communication Forensics and Cybercrimes Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

He emphasised that education is an effective way to help people deflect attacks and avoid becoming victims.

“There are a lot of risks and implications, and it will be even more challenging [to disrupt these scammers]. So it is important that, as we move on, we be aware of the different tactics being pursued by these criminals,” said Williams.

According to Williams, while the police have been making progress in their efforts to suppress cybercriminal networks in Jamaica, people need to be cautious when conducting their banking online and otherwise.

“Scamming is now second to homicide in Jamaica, but we have seen progress. A lot of cases are before the courts all over the country and persons are being convicted and persons are being put away,” said Williams.

He urged Jamaicans to use automated teller machines (ATMs) in protected areas and to always contact the bank if suspicious of any communication appearing to come from the institution.

“With technology… always verify first. You have to play your part and you cannot be overly careless with what you do,” he stated.

Doubling down on the point made by the Williams, Joscelyn Campbell, head of Corporate Integrity at JN Group, urged members to adopt the ‘ABC’ approach to protect themselves.

“Your takeaway from this meeting is that you must be singing your ABCs — Assume nothing. Believe nothing. Check everything. If you follow that in doing your banking, you will be safe,” said Campbell as he shared practical ways in which members can protect themselves while transacting their business.

He was supported by Captain Michael Powell, head of security at JN Bank, who assured members that the institution is consistently working to stay ahead of criminals.

Powell pointed out that the bank’s ATMs are carefully designed to limit opportunities for frauds, such as card skimming.

“We have put measures in place to prevent skimming, but criminals are always working to find ways to counter so we will always be trying to improve. [But] it doesn’t mean that you should be careless and say they may not be able to capture the information at a JN machine, [remember] they can capture it at others,” Powell cautioned.

The BOJ, in its recently released annual report, said 147 complaints of fraud and impropriety were made in 2023 compared to 45 in 2022.

Safe banking tips

1. Never disclose your card PIN or account information to anyone.

2. Ensure your pin and passwords are unique to you.

3. Never let your card out of your sight.

4. Check your account balance regularly so you can detect any fraudulent activity quickly and report it to your bank.

5. Use ATMs that are well lit at night and in public view so others can see you.

6. Do a thorough scan of the ATM facility before using it.

7. Trust your instincts. If you suspect foul play or feel uncomfortable for any reason, use another ATM or payment method.

8. Keep your ATM receipts and check them against your account statements.

9. Ensure all your banks have your current contact information and sign up for transaction alerts and e-mails from the financial institutions.

10. Report lost or stolen cards to your bank immediately.