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Section 4 – Everyday Banking in Jamaica
Online & Mobile Banking
- NCB, Scotia, and JN have robust apps, but expect occasional downtime.
- Many bills can be paid online: JPS (electricity), NWC (water), FLOW/Digicel/Starlink (internet).
Banking Culture
- Jamaican banks are conservative with lending. Mortgages may require large deposits (20–25%).
- Lines in branches can be long — online services are essential.
- Cash is still king in markets and taxis, but cards work well in supermarkets and malls.
Avoiding Scams – Staying Smart and Safe
Why This Chapter Matters
Returning home should feel like a homecoming. But alongside family hugs and sunshine, there is a less
spoken-about reality: scams. Jamaica is creative, resilient, and entrepreneurial — and unfortunately,
that creativity also appears in the darker corners of daily life.
Scams in Jamaica aren’t just a matter of theft; they can erode your sense of trust, drain your finances,
and in some cases put you at physical risk. The good news? With knowledge and vigilance, you can live
securely and confidently. This chapter is about learning to read the landscape, spotting red flags, and
putting strong habits in place.
Section 1 – The Landscape of Scams in Jamaica
- Lottery Scams
Perhaps Jamaica’s most infamous scam, targeting both locals and overseas Jamaicans.
- The caller claims you’ve won millions in a lottery.
- You are asked to send “fees” or “processing charges.”
- Victims have lost entire life savings this way.
- Real Estate & Property Scams
- Fake rental ads with beautiful photos — deposit requested before viewing.
- Double-selling of property where two buyers believe they own the same land.
- Forged titles or fraudulent survey plans.