Bill Payments Made Easy

Thanks to technology, the convenience, speed and variety of providers around makes sending and or receiving cash a popular Christmas gift option to send to and from family and friends overseas, and also an easy way of paying bills. There are still however, a lot we don’t know about the products and or services offered or available and thus we make some common mistakes which you’ll want to avoid before making any transfers this festive season.

Bill payment has become easier, safer and more convenient largely because of the Covid-19 pandemic which have forced most companies that offer these services to up their game to accommodate online transactions. These transactions can be done from the comfort your home, car and anywhere as long internet is present. The paper-less event allows one to almost any bill electronically. Electronic bill payment is a feature of online, mobile and telephone banking, similar in its effect to a giro (Italian “giro” meaning “circulation of money), allowing customers of a financial institution to transfer money from their debit card or credit card account to a creditor or vendor such as a public utility, department store or an individual to be credited against a specific account. These payments are typically executed electronically as a direct deposit through a national payment system, operated by the banks or in conjunction with the government and the remittance governing body/bank.

Are Online Payments Safe, and How Can We Make

Them Secure? Online sales are riding a wave of growth, and discussions about the most secure payment method are now even more relevant. Regardless of what side of the transaction you’re on, either as a merchant or as a shopper, you’ve probably found yourself wondering “Are online payments safe?”

Millions of dollars are expected to exchange in ecommerce in the 2020 alone, but shoppers and merchants still face risks when entering into these payments, which explains why both parties are so interested in the safest way to pay online.

Why security matters in online payments, What are the risks? Security breaches are the top reason merchants and shoppers still debate what constitutes a secure online payment. But with news of hacked accounts, stolen identities, data breaches, and card fraud, more prevalent in today’s media landscape, merchants and payment providers have doubled up on the security of their digital environments.

Regulations to enforce online payments security If you’re acting as an online merchant in any of the global markets, there are a number of regulations you should follow to ensure online payment security.

Credit Cards

Cards are one the safest payment methods available online, given that their usage is regulated by payments compliance standards, such as the 3D secure flows already discussed. Credit cards, in particular, pose even smaller risks in usage for shoppers, as the money used for the purchase, which the shopper pays for later, comes from the issuing bank.

Debit Cards

Use of debit cards for online shopping also falls under the protection of 3DS standards, which means one-time passwords – sent via message or email – are employed for purchase authentication. Debit cards and credit cards alike are both protected by

Do you know what is happening when you are not home?

Are you tired of thieves breaking in and stealing your stuff? Having some level of security in your home or business place is not only important but necessary. With the noticeable spike in Jamaica’s crime rate over the past few months and the reality of the Christmas season fast approaching, it is crucial that you are vigilant in protecting yourself, your family, and your investments.

When you think about your home, for example, you want to leave for work and return knowing that your home is secure and your valuables are intact until you return.

Zero Liability Protection programs from Visa and Mastercard. These programs stipulate that card holders are not responsible for unauthorized charges, yet another factor that makes cards safe for online payments.

Direct Debit

Direct debits are an option for shoppers paying recurring sums, amounts drawn automatically from their bank accounts. In general, direct debit is considered a safe online payment option, as the setup/authorization stage includes a number of safeguards and verifications. In some jurisdictions, regulations add extra security to direct debits.

Payment Card Security

Standards

The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) is one such regulation, enforced by credit card networks like Visa or Mastercard. This standard imposes 12 general data security requirements, aimed at creating a secure infrastructure environment for merchants who want to achieve card payments compliance. There are four levels to PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance, depending on the volume of yearly online transactions processes. If

Even while you are sleeping at home, you want to have peace of mind knowing that you and your family are safe and your vehicle will still be there when you wake up.

You should not have to be paralyzed with fear at the thought of leaving your home or coming home from work to realize the house is empty and all your valuables are gone, or worse, someone broke in and harmed your loved ones.

While the affordability of security packages and systems may be a concern for some persons, it is important to remember that there are affordable camera systems available in Jamaica, such as the Eaglecam V380 your online store/bank is not yet aligned to the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), read our guide on how to achieve PCI compliance.

Data Encryption Another way to use enhance security is to look out for encryption technology that ensures private financial information remains private. This technology confirms that the websites your business uses for transactions are part of valid organizations and have legitimate operators. It minimizes the risk of sensitive information viewed by the wrong parties. It also greatly reduces the chances of hackers cracking passwords. Data encryption is more important than ever, especially with Wi-fi networks and identity theft problems.

Updated Operating Systems It’s also smart to stay current with all security updates that are available for your personal network of computer(s). Because hackers are constantly coming up with new techniques, it’s critical to stay one step ahead. If you haven’t done so already, you should sign up for automatic updates for your entire home network. Besides keeping transactions safe, this step reduces the chances of acquiring a virus.

Pro offered by Megastore Jamaica.

This Smart Camera gives you the ability to monitor your home or office from anywhere on your smartphone. It is also equipped with two-way audio, night vision and motion detection to send you a notification if there is any movement. Megastoreja.com is Jamaica’s #1 Online Shopping Center which provides smart home solutions and a wide variety of other products.

You can stop by their office in New Kingston or conveniently shop online and have packages delivered to locations Island-wide.