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I use a separate debit and credit card while in Jamaica. I am lucky enough to have a Tangerine debit card (owned by Scotia Bank but with no fees) and a credit card with a low credit limit. Only use them while I am there and monitor for a few weeks when I get back. Never had any issues and easy to check. My regular debit and credit cards come with me, in case of emergency but always stay in the safe.
I had become 'too' comfortable using the ATM's here. I was not looking over the machine, checking the slot etc, and because they are enclosed, I was not hiding my PIN entries. The card slot looked and performed the same as it had before.
Spoke to the manager today at Scotia , he stated all was well
I mentioned my concerns
I have used the outside ATMs all week with no issues using a Scotia bank debit card
I always cover my entry with my hand
The pad looked like the worn original one along with the card insert
There is no atm inside anymore
Be careful out there !
Since there is no more ATM inside the bank, is it possible for the teller to get you money off of your debit account number? I don't get paid until after I arrive in Jamaica and planned on accessing that money while I was down there....Quote:
Originally Posted by Digger
I don't see how it would be a problem , they may also request another form of identifications but. ....... The lineups are very long inside, today like at least 20 deep
No more ATM inside? Sigh...so what are the options for using an ATM where this hasn't happened?
Wow, that truly sucks that they don't have ATM's inside. I thought on a prior post, that they said that they were available. After all that happened with us...we have now had another 400 US withdrawal. We had one other debit card from a separate account. It was used only once. When we went to our bank, to sign all the papers, we mentioned that we used one other card, only once, on another account. They advised us not to worry about that. Now....they worry!! 2 days ago, this card had been hacked. The bank was quick to put back the cash back with no problem. BUT, truly, I am beside miself with all this. I just wish that Travelers checks were still available to us. Hopefully, something will change before we come back. Maybe we should just open another account with only a certain amount of cash in it. But, if we have to transfer $$, I don't know that I would be comfortable doing a transfer while in a foreign country, online. The cyber world has begun to make me "money shy". Dear Jah, please don't make it this hard to come back to an island that gives me such comfort.
Reading up on this just a bit, I see that one issue is private ATMs that use insecure networks, so the skimming is done by hacking the computer network, not the physical ATM. For this reason, it would be helpful if people do post what ATM they used (if they know) to alert the rest of us. If the ATM is running on an unencrypted wireless network, it's trivially easy to hack.
Several of the ATMs in town are branded as NCB or Scotia. I expect those are on the bank's network
Cap
I was in town from Jan 12 -19th. I used the NCB machine by the Hi-Lo and the Scotia ATM at Time Square. So far, no problems.
I did NOT use the Scotia ATM at the Roundabout.
I have not seen any 'private' atms in Negril, only bank-branded machines.
In regards to which ATM's we used...we used the one near HiLo most of the time. We did use the ATM by Burger King once or twice. Those were the only 2 used. The gentleman at our bank said that the first thing they do is notify the banks that the money came from, for the ATM. Supposedly, our bank will then try to get the funds it lost back from them. So, if that is indeed what they do...I'm sure that I would be examining the ATM's that I supplied money for. Hopefully, things will improve. At least I have learned quite a bit since this happened and will be much more alert ANYWHERE that I use an ATM. Blessings.........Quote:
Originally Posted by wrtiii
I like using the ATM at Times Square for a couple of reasons. First it allows a larger withdrawal than the bank ones we have tried so we cut down on the number of transaction fees. Also, with everyone around it feels safer to use. I'll report back if I have any issues with it in February.
Thanks, Rumlover!
Might suggest to open a separate account for your trip. Have your financial institution remove your other accounts from your atm card but not online usage. E transfer what you want to withdraw to your atm acct, go to bank and withdraw from atm leaving zero balance till you go back to atm next time, rinse and repeat!! They can't access what isn't there!
There is one "inside a bank" atm. It is inside the NCB inside Sunshine Village (HiLo Plaza). When you walk from the parking lot into the block of shops, the bank is in the far left corner. There is a walkway beside the bank that takes you back out to the road. The atm is only open from 9-5 as it is locked down when the bank closes.
During the timeframe that other debit cards were being compromised, I used the machine inside NCB in Sunshine Plaza twice, 2 weeks apart, that northerncaligurl mentioned in the previous post. No compromise on my card. Unfortunately, covering your PIN entry with your hand, so it can't be recorded with a camera, didn't work for my friend. So the ATM is being hacked, or there was an overlay on the PIN pad. He used the ATM outside Valu Master.
i also like using the times square atm . . . please do let us know if there is a problem with that one . . .Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumlover
As I read this thread I was amused, surprised, or what ever on how many people wish that Traveler's Check were still in use. We were dedicated T.C. users for 35 years with no issues. We had a local friend who would stop by every day or two and exchange our T.C. into Jamaican at a very competitive rate with out the hassle of going downtown. We NEVER, EVER used ATM's in Jamaica.
These last few reaches have been a bit of a challenge with the demise of the T.C. system. Now, we have been stopping in MoBay to score some cases of Red Strip, Ting etc.... and exchange enough US dollars into JA$ to last 2/3 of our trip. At the hotel we stash the cash in our electronic room safe. As the trip winds down we MAY make a trip to a cambio or limp our way through using US dollars.
For a casual tourist this system works well. If we were staying along term (more then two weeks) I guess we would have to do something different.
Ok, I was defending the use of ATMs for your travel money but maybe prematurely. Called Chase bank today to put a travel alert on my debit card and they refused due to my destination. They don't know if I will be able to withdraw funds or not. I've been warned in the past that the island was on a high risk list but have always been able to have a note placed on my card for the fraud department. I know there are other options, just makes everything a little more complicated.
Was this your regular Chase bank card or Chase credit card? We no longer use Chase for a myriad of reasons. This confirms it for me as we recently were talking about opening another account with them.
Jenn, It was our regular Chase debt card to access checking.
Ugh - sorry for your troubles, Rumlover. Are you going soon? Good luck!
Soon come, we'll just be prepared to exchange more cash. May try a preloaded Visa card next trip if they work at ATMs
Perfect hey_mon, that's what we did too once the skimming became prevalent. I also put an alert on the account so I know when there is a withdrawal. Just can't to be too careful. Takes an extra step but gives you peace of mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by hey_mon
Most of the times prepaid cards are US only, although I'm sure there are exceptions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumlover
I have been back from Jamaica since Jan 11th. Today, I checked my checking account balance and had a 2$ fee for a balance inquiry from St James Jamaica. I shut the card down immediately so no problem, but Yetta's advice is right on!
I checked my records and in addition to the ATM at Hi-Lo and the one by the PETCO station, I used my debit card at one duty free store at Times Square and one restaurant on the Cliffs.
I will be a little more careful next year!!
TedP
Chase just told me the same thing, 1st time in 15 years they refused to even enter a note. I called my credit union and that card and account are good to go in JAQuote:
Originally Posted by Rumlover
I've been a chase customer for a long time so this is very annoying and awful customer service. I wonder if this is what happened to me back in December when I couldn't get cash in Negril and they had no idea why when I called.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumlover
You might have something there, they did tell me that any transactions could be denied but when asked if they might go through the answer was yes. It sounds like they do not know how to predict if approval may or may not be granted. For this reason I will have a backup, we really don't use any plastic other than our hotel and then at the airport dutyfree stores on our return.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeyNYC
Unforntunately or fortunately depending on your account(s), this seems to be something restricted to the "international cards" (Visa/MasterCard). The only incidents I have heard and seen on my friends accounts have been on the Visa/MasterCard authorization taking place only after the transaction was approved by the clearing house in Brazil that Capt D mentioned in this thread.
I have not seen or heard of a "local only" debit card being "skimmed". I visit these machine regularly (pretty much all of them) and skimming does not seem to be the problem. If it was skimming, I would have been nailed since I use my local card all over town frequently. But the local transactions never make it to the Brazil center, adding evidence that the problem lies elsewhere off the island.
When you call your Chase Bank service center (or any other bank), ask if this is a Jamaican problem or with the centralized Brazilian transaction center. This may signify that you know of the problem. And if the problem lies with malware in the Brazil center, the more people who know and inquire about it may make them install less vulnerable software and fix the problem.
Sorry.... my former technical customer service persona coming out in me.... (grin)
Rob, would the processing center in Brazil get access to the pin# though? I didn't think it worked like that, but I know very little about these things.
TAH,
Malware is very sophisticated. The transaction cannot be completed without the PIN#. So the transaction center would have to have access to the PIN, which the malware can capture. The systems are only as secure as the programmers who wrote the code. And there is some bad code out there.
Also look for an increase of "ransome-ware" - cyber security will become a big topic this year. That is why I am asking those coming here to call their company and ask about the Brazil transaction center. It seems the problem is there since local transactions are unaffected. That is simple deductive reasoning....
As I said in my first post, I only posted the information to help alert others. I am not blaming Jamaica...for this type of problem can occur anywhere. Thankfully, myself as well as others, are much more informed. My card was a debit card through my bank at home...which was a Mastercard. This was the first time that we have ever had this happen...in Jamaica (after 29 trips) or anywhere for that matter. I know that our bank was going to do more research regarding this. If and when, I am able to get any more information regarding the 3 unauthorized withdrawals, I will post it.
I am so thankful for the valuable information that the boardies and Rob have shared. I have learned so much, along with a lot of googling on the subject! LOL I know that I am much more diligent regarding the use of ANY cards at home, looking over the ATM's, etc. When traveling this year, I know I will be continuing to do so.
Yetta...Thank You, as your post reminded me to check...sometimes we get a bit lazy about doing so...
You don't have to be a Canadian to open an account with Scotia Bank Jamaica (SB JA) - just have all your ducks in a row and you should be good to go. When we opened our SB JA account, we were told that they are a separate entity from SB Canada, and not "connected" with SB Canada (SB CA). We found that out quick, as you can't easily do an account to account transfer as we would do here (say chequing to savings) when transferring from SB Canada to SB JA.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ras Walleye
You will need your valid passport, another piece of Government issued photo ID, 2 references - on letterhead, and if you use your dentist, be sure he/she puts his/her stamp on it - we're talking very official! They will check your employment, and your references, so be sure you have numbers to reach them NOW! It takes time, but they will reiterate to you that they are very very VERY serious about money laundering. You will need to let them know why you want the account (frequent tourist works); how much you plan to transfer monthly; why; etc. Like I said, VERY serious about money laundering - in fact, while the contacted our references (another story for another day, but don't try to it over Christmas when your boss and HR and probably your dentist references are away .... just sayin'), we were given a booklet to read about money laundering and how the Jamaican banks and government are taking steps to control it. Scotia Bank Jamaica will let you know what you need; you can ask them what their requirements are now. We did this 5 years ago.
On another note .... we check our accounts pretty regularly - (and by "we" I mean G because he has the com on $$$ cause he's uber better at it) maybe not daily, but every 2-3 days max. Fraud happens everywhere from everywhere all the time! We have been frauded a number of times (while we're home mostly, I might add) and I must say the credit card companies and banks are on it! They send you an affidavit real quick and go for it! Your $$$ is refunded, and they are armed ... at least in the Canada.
Limit your daily amounts. The lower you keep it, the less they can take. Pain in the butt, but you can call and in minutes get the daily limit increased for your immediate needs. AND immediately lowered back down;
Advise both the credit card companies and banks when you will be travelling and be specific on places/dates; if your flight is delayed - call them! It's usually free! It's always worth it
Check your accounts regularly (more than once a week) - even/particularly when abroad
Clear your browsing history IMMEDIATELY once you are done checking (On the tool bar Tools/Internet Options/Browsing History - and clear the cookies and everything - wipe that sucker out!)
Report immediately any suspicious activity
It's just 21st Century common sense now!
Actually, you may be surprised how co-operative banks and credit card companies are when you pro-actively go to them for this stuff.
All that said, I still go bullitsic when the bank calls and asks "Were you in Timbuctu buying furniture last week?" WHAAAT? No F)$%^ing Way!!!! Who did this to me!!!!!!"
Scottish genes .... real close my $$$$ :)
I was told by scotia canada i had to be canadian to open an account but they are partnered with bank of america and can use the atm for free!
Many of us have had stories like this.......
suggestion: Do Not, under any circumstances let your card out of your sight, be it in a restaurant, bank, store, anywhere. Even in a bank, employees have been known to swipe the card out of your view and make phony charges with an accomplice.
Used the ATM,s last week several times Scotiabank only, I have the Scotiabank app on my phone, and receive email notification for every transaction.