With digitization and COVID-19 round the corner, the whole world has switched to the online medium. From giving online examinations to conducting conferences and purchasing groceries, everything is happening via the Internet. It has become a very important part of our lives that it is hard to pass a day without it. Since everything has undergone a paradigm shift, the traditional way of payment has also undergone the same. Earlier, we used to go to the ATMs to withdraw cash and then use it, but today we can directly make transactions without going through any hassle. That’s the beauty of being online.
But, since this is a sudden shift, Indians are finding it hard to adjust to the new situation. And that gives rise to various types of myths. These myths tend to deviate people from the right path and forbid them from getting digital. One such myth is regarding online payment. It has been spread that consumers do not like to pay via payment links, which is completely untrue.
It is agreeable that initially, they dodged away from this idea due to security issues. But today, in India, we have our own cyber laws governing these crimes. The cyber cell makes sure to arrest cybercriminals and mitigate these fraudulent acts. Let’s find out more and see what payment links are, the pros and cons, and finally, the truth behind this myth.
What is a Payment Link?
Any link or button that a person can click within his/her web browser to process a transaction of the required amount to the specified receiver is called payment links. You must have used an online payment application like Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay; the link which you click after filling in all the credentials is the payment link. This link takes you to another secured page for processing the payment. After filling up your card details & other credentials, bank account verification is done, and finally, the payment is processed to the receiver.
What are the statistics of people going digital for payments?
Apart from being quick and convenient, paying through these links is an easy task. As compared to traditional transactions via ATMs, these e-payments are extremely fast. According to a report, around 76% of people carry less than $50 of cash, and they like to go digital.
The Reason for The Myths
There are quite a few reasons supporting this myth. The list is as mentioned below:
Trustability
People still do not trust their own developments. People do not feel safe using online payment sites mainly due to trust issues with the Internet and security risks.
Traditional Habits
How can you expect someone to leave their habits of decades and adapt to a modern technique? The lives of Indians have always revolved around being paid in cash. Most of the businesses trade via cash only, so people tend to use that only rather than using payment links.
Cash Supremacy
When you can have the immediate transfer of value, why will you go for internet hassles? Despite recent developments and innovations, there are still more advancements to take place in online transactions.
Reality Check on Payment Links
Most people nowadays find online transactions easy. It is fast and efficient. Also, due to the covid-19 pandemic, more people tend to use UPI payments so as to avoid contact. It is seen that the number of coins and their usage is dwindling; this leads to exchange problems solved by Online payments.
Conclusion
To sum up, this is a myth that people do not like to pay via payment links, and rather they enjoy being cashless and careless. With end-to-end encryption and full-fledged cyber laws enforced, there is nothing to worry about.
