Navigating the new norms of moving, online payments, and security

“Send your debit card details over WhatsApp”, they said.

Moving houses is a rollercoaster journey into the unknown. It’s a mix of excitement for new beginnings and the apprehension of navigating through endless property listings and viewings. My recent move was no different, except it came with a modern-day twist in the tale: the payment of the holding deposit.

At first glance, the request seemed routine - after all, paying a holding deposit is standard practice. However, when I went to pay, the request was simple but startling: "Could you send over your debit card details through WhatsApp?". I stared at the phone in disbelief, astonished that such a request would even be made. Frankly, knowing that victims of WhatsApp fraud lose £1,610 on average, I was sceptical, to say the least.

In an age where digital convenience is king, this request seemed like a jarring throwback to less secure times. It was a stark reminder of the delicate balance between convenience and security in our digital transactions and showed a lack of awareness among many property managers regarding PCI Compliance. So, are you compliant with compliance?

What is PCI Compliance?

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a standard any business handling card payments must adhere to. PCI compliance isn't just a set of guidelines; it's the backbone of secure online transactions, ensuring that customer data is protected throughout the payment process. The risks of non-compliance are dire: from financial penalties for businesses, to more critically, the risk of fraud and identity theft for customers.

Why secure online payments matter

The reality is that the internet is a vast ocean, with predators lurking beneath its seemingly calm surface. Secure online payments act as a sturdy ship for both consumers and businesses, navigating treacherous waters. As consumers, it's crucial to be vigilant, looking out for secure payment gateways and thinking twice before sending sensitive information through unsecured channels.

Introducing Payment Sessions

This is where our solution, Payment Sessions, comes into play. Designed with both consumer and business security in mind, Payment Sessions adhere strictly to PCI compliance. Our platform ensures that every transaction is encrypted, safeguarded, and as seamless as a tap on your smartphone screen. No more awkward requests over WhatsApp; just secure, straightforward transactions that let you focus on settling your tenants into their new home, worry-free.

The Payment Sessions difference

• PCI Compliant: Adheres to the highest standards of payment security.
• User-friendly: Simplifies the payment process for renters and businesses alike.
• Secure: Encrypts data to protect against unauthorised access.

Imagine if my holding deposit could have been handled through Payment Sessions. The unease of transmitting sensitive information insecurely would have been replaced by a few clicks in a secure environment. That's the peace of mind we aim to provide.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the convenience of digital payments clashed with security concerns? How did you navigate that challenge? Share your experiences with us, whether you're a renter or a lettings agent striving to collect funds securely. And if you're involved in the rental business, or any service requiring secure payments, why not give Payment Sessions a try? Let's collectively pave the way towards a future where every online payment is safeguarded. Together, let's ensure that convenience never comes at the expense of security.