As the National Housing Trust (NHT) starts accepting applications for contribution refunds on January 1, Jamaicans are again being warned to beware of fictitious communication from entities or individuals claiming to be from the agency in order to gain access to their personal information.

“At the start of a new refund period there is an increase in fictitious communication purporting to be from the NHT. These are not affiliated with the trust and are fake,” the agency warned in a press release on Tuesday.

Advising that it will begin accepting applications for a refund of contributions made in 2017, the agency told contributors to submit refund applications only through secure, official NHT platforms and to avoid third party websites or unofficial channels.

“Refund applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official NHT channels. These are: the NHT website (www.nht.gov.jm), the NHT mobile app (available for download in the Google Play Store or App Store), and the NHT Online platform (online.nht.gov.jm),” the release said.

The NHT further advised contributors to ignore unsolicited e-mail claiming to be from the agency, noting that it only sends communication regarding successful refunds or requests for customer contact if there is a problem with the application submitted.

Additionally, the agency advised contributors to verify e-mail addresses before responding, noting that official NHT communication will only come from verified NHT e-mail addresses. In addition, applicants are to avoid clicking on any links in e-mails that seem suspicious or ask for personal information. It said official communication will guide people to the secure NHT platforms.

“Please be reminded that NHT communication during this time is to advise you of a successful application or where there is an issue in processing your application, to make direct contact with the NHT. For assistance or to report suspicious activity, contact the NHT directly through any of our official channels. Do not use contact information provided in unsolicited communications. By adhering to these guidelines, contributors can safeguard their personal information and enjoy a hassle-free application process,” the agency said.

In the meantime, the NHT shared that contributors may collect their refund as a direct deposit to their bank account or via a remittance agency. This must be selected during the application process. Further, qualified contributors are being reminded that they may apply for a refund at any time during the year for contributions made in 2017 or earlier.

It said that for contributors who opt to use a remittance agency, there have been some changes to the rates associated with the service. The new rates, inclusive of GCT, are $172.50 – JMMB Money Transfer Limited; $200 – JN Money Services Limited; and $160 – VM Money Transfer Services Limited.

“The customer rates are applicable for payments in excess of $500 and will take effect from January 1, 2025, through to December 31, 2027,” the NHT said.

For more information and updates, people can visit the official NHT website at www.nht.gov.jm. People may also contact the NHT via e-mail at wecare@nht.gov.jm or via the customer contact centre at 888-CALL-NHT or 876-929-6500, via web chat or the official NHT social media pages.