KINGSTON, Jamaica – JN Money Services Limited (JNMS), the remittance and bill payment arm of Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), has launched a new information-based website to empower its customers, especially those in the United States of America (USA), as it increases the fight against consumer fraud, particularly the lottery scam.
The company launched the site, named Scam Alert last month, under its popular JN Money Transfer banner, to provide customers and the public with information about how to recognise various consumer fraud practices; and tips which can protect them against fraud. Persons may access the site at www.jnmoneytransfer.com/lotteryscam
Leesa Kow, General Manager, JNMS says the launch of the site “Supports activities by Jamaican and international authorities to combat pervasive forms of consumer frauds, particularly the lottery scam.” And, it forms part of the company’s broader initiative, such as employee retraining and strengthened compliance procedures, to mitigate fraudulent activities.
Leesa Kow, General Manager, JN Money Services Limited
“I speak for everyone, when I say eradicating the lottery scam, and other consumer fraud practices, is a matter of urgency. And, we appreciate that one organisation cannot accomplish this task; nor, is it the task of our Governments alone to resolve the problem. Therefore, we all have to play a part in eradicating consumer fraud,” Miss Kow said.
She noted that the site provides detailed information about common fraudulent practices and methods used by criminals to deceive consumers; and, it provides the public with access to additional resources in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, where consumers can lodge complaints and access information pertaining to their specific jurisdictions.
“Consumers by themselves do not always know how to access all the information they need to protect themselves against activities such as these; and, therefore, we have provided this hub to bring important information, news, tips and other resources together into a single space, to improve their access to information,” Miss Kow commented.
She also maintained that, “We do recognise that, as a money transfer provider, our services are targeted by criminals because of the ease and convenience these services provide; and, therefore, we must educate customers and empower them to better understand their responsibilities, and provide them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.”
The launch of the website comes amid increased focus on the lottery scam by US lawmakers and the media, both in Jamaica and the USA.
At the same time, Miss Kow said that the Jamaican Government has been forging strong partnerships in Jamaica and with the US to strengthen the fight against the scam. And, as a result, the government has come closer to implementing legislation to prosecute persons involved in the lottery scam.
She said JNBS has also been at the centre of national initiatives to facilitate the fight against the lottery scam and other forms of fraud.
Last November, JNBS organised a second lottery scam forum, bringing together Jamaican and US-based stakeholders to update on the impact of the illicit lottery trade and educate the public about the intricacies of the scam and related activities. The organisation has also held similar fora in the USA.
