Question 1

What is the "ATM Skimming and Card Targeting" scam in Negril?

Accepted Answer

ATM skimming devices have been reported on machines in Negril, particularly at standalone ATMs not inside bank branches. Scammers also physically watch tourists withdraw cash and then stage a distraction robbery or follow the victim to a quieter location. Some operators work in pairs — one to distract at the ATM, one to observe the PIN. Jamaican bank NCB suspended SMS alerts in 2023 citing increased smishing and phishing targeting cardholders. Use ATMs located inside bank branches only, preferably during business hours. Shield your PIN at all times. Withdraw only what you need for the day and avoid ATMs in poorly lit or isolated locations at night. Monitor your account daily while in Jamaica and notify your bank before traveling.

Question 2

What is the "Short-Changing in Jamaican Dollars" scam in Negril?

Accepted Answer

Some vendors, restaurants, and smaller shops short-change tourists by returning incorrect Jamaican dollar amounts when tourists pay in USD or JMD. The confusion arises from the large difference in scale between USD and JMD (roughly 155:1) and tourists unfamiliar with Jamaican banknote denominations. Some cashiers take advantage of transaction speed to shortchange by a few hundred JMD per transaction. Familiarize yourself with Jamaican dollar denominations before your trip — the $1000 JMD note is the most commonly misidentified. Count your change before leaving the counter. When paying in USD, confirm the exchange rate being used before the transaction. Use a calculator app openly if needed.

Money & ATM Scams in Negril

ATM Skimming and Card Targeting

Short-Changing in Jamaican Dollars

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