When using online marketplaces, one of the biggest concerns for both buyers and sellers is the security of financial information. With cyber threats and scams on the rise, it’s crucial to know how your payment data is handled.
At Avatown, we prioritize data security and user privacy, ensuring that sensitive financial details are never stored on our platform.
How Does Avatown Handle Payments?
Avatown uses trusted third-party payment gateways—specifically Stripe, with PayPal integration coming soon—to manage all financial transactions. These platforms are renowned for their robust security measures, including:
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensures your financial data is encrypted during transactions, protecting it from interception or unauthorized access.
- PCI DSS Compliance: Both Stripe and PayPal meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, which is the highest level of security for handling payment data.
- Advanced Fraud Protection: Real-time monitoring for suspicious activity and potential fraud.
By using Stripe and PayPal, Avatown never stores or processes your credit card information directly. Instead, all payment information is securely processed through these platforms, keeping your data safe and out of reach from potential threats.
What Payment Information Does Avatown Store?
Avatown only keeps minimal data related to transactions, which is essential for maintaining a safe and secure marketplace. The information we store includes:
| Stored Data | Purpose |
| Transaction ID | To help with order tracking, support, and refunds. |
| Purchase History | So you can view past orders and download avatars or assets. |
| Payment Status (Paid/Pending/Refunded) | To manage sales and handle disputes if necessary. |
| Email Address & Billing Information | For authentication, sending transaction confirmations, and preventing fraudulent activity. |
We do not store credit card numbers, bank account details, or other financial data. All such information is handled securely by Stripe and PayPal.
How Do Payments Work on Avatown?
1. For Buyers
When you purchase an avatar or asset on Avatown:
- You select your payment method (Credit Card via Stripe or, soon, PayPal).
- You enter your payment details directly through the secure payment gateway.
- Once the payment is processed, you receive a confirmation email with your order details.
- Your financial data is not stored on Avatown’s servers—only Stripe/PayPal have access to this information.
2. For Sellers
When a sale is made:
- The buyer’s payment is processed through Stripe/PayPal.
- Avatown collects the payment, which is then transferred to your connected Stripe or PayPal account.
- You receive weekly payouts directly from Avatown, with no access to the buyer’s financial information.
This method ensures that both parties are protected during transactions, maintaining a safe and scam-free marketplace.
Why Doesn’t Avatown Store Financial Data?
By not storing financial details, Avatown significantly reduces the risk of:
- Data Breaches: Even if Avatown’s database were compromised, there would be no sensitive financial information for hackers to steal.
- Payment Fraud: Since all payments are handled by Stripe and PayPal, your financial data is protected by their advanced security protocols.
- Scams & Unauthorized Transactions: Payment gateways use fraud detection tools to block suspicious transactions, adding an extra layer of security.
What Are the Benefits of Using Stripe and PayPal?
Both Stripe and PayPal are industry leaders in payment processing, known for their security and reliability. They offer:
- Global Payment Support: Buyers and sellers from all over the world can engage on Avatown.
- Secure Payouts: Creators receive their earnings directly to their Stripe or PayPal accounts, avoiding any risks associated with manual payments.
- Dispute Resolution: If a transaction issue arises, Stripe and PayPal offer mediation services to help resolve it fairly.
How Does Avatown Protect Other Personal Data?
While Avatown does not store financial information, we do collect basic personal data to ensure a smooth marketplace experience, including:
- Email Address: For account verification, transaction confirmations, and security alerts.
- Billing Information: To prevent fraudulent activity and ensure legitimate transactions.
- Account Activity: Such as purchase history, which helps with support requests and dispute resolutions.
All personal data stored by Avatown is encrypted and protected, with limited access granted only to authorized personnel.
Also read this article to understand on How does Avatown protect buyers and sellers from scams?
What Should You Do If You Suspect Payment Issues?
If you notice unauthorized transactions or have concerns about a payment:
- Contact Avatown Support Immediately: We can assist with dispute resolution and work with Stripe or PayPal to investigate.
- Check Your Stripe/PayPal Account: Review your transaction history for any irregularities.
- Update Your Account Security: Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if needed.
Avatown’s support team is always available to help address any issues and provide guidance on protecting your account.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Financial Data Safe on Avatown
By leveraging the secure infrastructure of Stripe and PayPal, Avatown ensures that your financial data is never stored, accessed, or at risk within our platform. This approach not only enhances transaction security but also builds trust within our community of creators and buyers.
Key Takeaways:
- No Financial Data Stored: Avatown does not keep your credit card or bank details on our servers.
- Trusted Payment Gateways: Stripe and PayPal handle all transactions securely.
- Advanced Fraud Protection: Both payment processors offer robust security measures to prevent unauthorized transactions.
- Secure and Transparent Transactions: You can buy and sell on Avatown with complete peace of mind.
For a safe, scam-free experience on Avatown, make sure all payments are processed through our official payment gateways.
If you have questions or need support, our team is here on Discord to help!