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Technology Uncompromised: Building The Curlec Payment Stack

This is an exclusive entry written by our Senior Software Development Engineer, Debanshu Rout, who led the engineering team that brought the Curlec Payment Gateway to life. Read on to delve deeper into his insights and expertise gained from years of hands-on experience in the field.

Technology runs through my veins

Having been in the industry for seven years, out of which three were spent building products for Curlec’s parent company, Razorpay India, I now lead the engineering team in Malaysia. Where one of my key responsibilities is to monitor and measure the health of our systems rigorously While ensuring an undisrupted payment experience for all parties. In simpler terms, it’s to ensure the technology that empowers our payment rails in India can be easily adapted to global merchants, starting with Curlec in Malaysia.

My journey with Curlec; Hello Malaysia!

When I joined the Curlec engineering team in July 2023, I found myself at the forefront of a team tasked to build a robust, secure, and efficient payment infrastructure. Which not only facilitates transactions but creates the best experience for merchants and end users alike. We started by understanding the needs of our Malaysian merchant base – how different it is from India’s. We identified pain points which helped us upgrade and customise the existing payment stack to cater to a new market.

One of our milestones was building parity in terms of the methods and instruments available for the Malaysian market. And also set up processes that comply with Bank Negara Malaysia and foster connections through our PayNet membership. The success of our payment stack wasn’t just measured in numbers but in the stories of businesses flourishing and customers enjoying a frictionless payment experience.

Products. Uncompromised. 

All Curlec products are created with one thing in mind: Ease of usage. This includes ease of usage for developers, e-commerce practitioners, and founders. When we build our APIs for merchants, we ensure that they are developer-friendly intending to integrate seamlessly, providing zero friction to start collecting payments.

As a tech-first organisation, we ensure engineering initiatives get equal importance – so we can improve our code quality, readability, performance, and more. But what sets Curlec apart? We begin by asking ourselves this one question at the start of every quarter: What does it take for a business to succeed? 

So what follows is a prioritisation process; categorising our tasks into areas from “Urgent and important” to “Not urgent and important”. That way we can focus on what matters first, building products as per expectations. We strive for small iterative releases over a big release, using feature toggles, experiments, and A/B testing. Our mantra: no code gets deployed until all the checks are passed.

Security. Uncompromised.

Security and compliance are fundamentals of a payment technology company and with Curlec, it’s no different. We treat it very seriously. Security is baked into our processes from start to finish. For example, we have a security team, whose task is to vet, run penetration testing, and identify vulnerabilities. Any exploiters are attended to immediately. Because being an engineer at heart, we measure and prioritise the health of the payment stack for errors and availability at every stage. Any anomaly is taken seriously. 

Scalability. Uncompromised.

Having experience in tuning our systems to provide high throughput at low latency meant one thing: we were ready to scale for Malaysia. How did we get there? We process transactions to the amounts of billions in India and have merchant profiles ranging from trading and ticketing to gaming. Having battle-tested for such a market, we inherited abundant of data and learnings so we can ensure our payment infrastructure is ready to manage both steady and sporadic workloads. Our technology is built to scale.

Why is Curlec ideal for engineers? 

All that said, Curlec stands as a challenging environment for engineers – to experiment, fail, improve and grow. With a strong support system to foster collaboration and achieve rapid results, a tech-first mindset will flourish here. I’ve been blessed to work with people who are not just experts in their field but who are bold and visionaries. Having access to more than 500 of these people across India and Malaysia proves what a fruitful experience creating the Curlec Payment Gateway has been. 

About Debanshu Rout

I’m Debanshu, a software engineer by day, but on weekends, I’m all about cricket. When I’m not debugging code, you’ll catch me perfecting my batting or strategising with my team on the field. Beyond boundaries, I’m always eager to explore new destinations and diverse cultures.

 

Want to join the team? Check-out our Careers Page or send your resume to hr@curlec.com.

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Elevate Your Billing Process with Curlec E-invoices

In today’s fast-evolving e-commerce landscape, efficient billing processes should be prioritised for business success. Traditional methods often prove cumbersome and error-prone, prompting businesses to seek new invoicing solutions. Did you know that the Malaysian government aims to implement e-invoicing for all businesses by July 2025? Adopting this technology now becomes a strategic imperative to stay ahead.

Why you need to streamline your billing process

Efficient billing processes are the lifeblood of businesses, regardless of size. They serve as the financial backbone as accurate transactions keep operations running smoothly. Delays in invoicing not only disrupt cash flow but also strain client relationships, leading to dissatisfaction and potential loss of revenue. All of which is a big no-no.

Benefits of e-invoices

By implementing automated invoicing solutions like e-invoicing, you can eliminate manual errors, reduce delivery and processing time, and enhance overall efficiency. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also accelerates payment cycles. Which will lead to better financial performance while positioning your business for long-term success. Plus, eliminating paper-based processes, you can cut down on administrative costs too and contribute to environmental sustainability. 

Implementing e-invoices

The first step is selecting the right e-invoicing platform – lucky for you the Curlec Invoices is at your service.  This solution stands out for its tax compliance features, allowing you to add tax, discounts, and shipping details directly into invoices. This ensures accurate calculations and adherence to tax regulations without the hassle. Curlec also provides an intuitive dashboard reporting feature so you can gain valuable insights from real-time data. The ability to track accounts and payments within the platform also increases accountability and transparency. It’s made even more efficient as each invoice is embedded with a Payment Link, prompting customers to pay seamlessly. The cherry on top? You can create unlimited invoices for free – empowering you to streamline your billing process without worrying about additional costs. 

In conclusion

Embracing e-invoicing is not just a modernisation of billing processes; it’s a strategic move towards productivity, compliance, and improved financial performance. As you navigate the evolving landscape of digital commerce, there will be changes and improvements needed to sustain competitive advantage and meet customer expectations. The time is ripe now for businesses to transition towards digital invoicing solutions like Curlec, which will offer not only efficient invoices but a Payment Gateway that will improve your business. What are you waiting for? 

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Avoiding Chargebacks: Key Tactics for Business Success

What is a chargeback? It’s a dispute against a particular transaction raised by the cardholder also known as the end-user. It’s a feature offered by banks and credit card companies to shield customers from fraudulent or unauthorised payments. If it isn’t fraud, it’s usually associated with unsatisfactory products or poor service. So why and how should you avoid chargebacks?

Why avoid chargebacks?

It’s best to avoid any kind of chargebacks, as banks and card networks can label your business as high-risk. This could lead to undesirable outcomes. A high number of chargebacks can lead to the bank holding your business’ remittances. The worst case scenario? A ban on online payment services is imposed upon you. However, customers usually have a timeframe of 120 days to file a complaint, which means your sales are reversible in that period! 

How to avoid chargebacks?

Most cases come up due to miscommunication between the buyer and seller. Here are a few tips you can keep in mind to avoid any complaints. 

Dos

Make sure return policies are mentioned clearly on the website.

Keep customers updated regarding the status of their orders.

Share tracking numbers, invoices, and all other order-related references with your customers.

Promptly acknowledge and respond to chargeback alerts.

Don’ts

Breach the deadline in responding to chargeback notifications.

Overlook the importance of providing necessary documentation,

Share incomplete proofs or details while responding to complaints.

Neglect communication with relevant teams during the process.

In conclusion

Chargebacks pose significant risks to businesses, potentially leading to financial losses and reputational damage. Curlec however, has dedicated on-ground support that can offer valuable assistance in mediating and resolving chargebacks promptly. With the Payment Gateway, your transactions are ensured to be smooth, secure, and one less thing to concern yourself with – so you can focus on what matters, growing your business.

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Refunds Uncompromised: How to Optimise Your Reimbursement Process?

Managing refunds should be a critical part of running a successful business in Malaysia. However, the process often presents challenges, including disjointed systems, manual procedures, lack of transparency, and delays in reimbursement. As you navigate these complexities, it’s important to select a payment provider equipped to solve these pain points. So read on to find out how you can streamline the refund process. 

Understanding Common Challenges in Refunds

Among the challenges faced, manual refunds remain a prominent issue, often leading to inefficiencies and errors. Additionally, the lack of visibility into refunds requests and statuses, compounded by disjointed systems complicate the monitoring and tracking process. Delays in reimbursements adds to the struggle that will also affect customer satisfaction and loyalty. In comes Curlec Refunds to save the day and ease your payment pain points away.

Streamlining Refunds With Curlec

Through the Curlec Payment Gateway, the process of managing refunds shifts by 180 degrees – for the better. On top of being able to accept payments seamlessly and provide the best experience for customers, you gain access to a comprehensive dashboard that centralises everything. And that includes efficient initiation and tracking of refunds. Additionally, this intuitive platform also provides invaluable insights into reimbursement trends and patterns. Which you’ll be able to utilise to make informed business decisions. 

In A Nutshell, The Curlec Dashboard Allows You To:

1. Initiate normal refunds

All in one location, resolving issues with disjointed systems and ensuring you’re able to manage your refunds conveniently. With normal refunds, the amount is refunded within 5-7 days.

2. Issue refunds in batches

You can issue refunds in bulk using an XLSX or CSV file. The process will take up to 70 minutes and you can cancel within that time frame once uploaded.

3. Issue either partial or full refunds

You can refund the entire amount that you receive or you can refund part of the amount. That said, you can issue multiple partial refunds as long as the sum does not exceed the initial amount paid. Providing you flexibility when managing refunds for your customers.

4. Track and view details of refunds

After issuing a refund, you’ll be able to check the status and settlement details – all on the Curlec dashboard. 

5. Manage refund timelines for timely reimbursements

You can set refund speeds, either normal (which will take 5-7 days) or configure a preferred speed for your customers to be reimbursed.

Refunds. Uncompromised.

We know refunds can be tricky and it can significantly impact your business’s bottom line. But we have the solution, empowering businesses to overcome refund hurdles effectively. By centralising refund processes all into one dashboard, you can not only deliver the best experience for customers but optimise your operations as well. Stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce marketplace, keep your customers satisfied, and learn more on how Curlec can offer you a 360 payment solution.

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Tackle Cart Abandonment During Festive Frenzies

It’s no secret that Malaysia is abundant with festivities. Whether it’s Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali or Christmas, these celebrations bring about a surge in online shopping. And amidst that is the prospect of high cart abandonment rates. It poses a significant challenge for e-commerce businesses due to drop-offs which can be avoided if you know how. Here are some actionable solutions tailored to minimise cart abandonment rates during the festive season.

But First… 

You’ll need to grasp the customer buying journey where each touchpoint demands careful attention to ensure a seamless experience. At the presale stage, awareness and consideration highlight how well-known your brand is. It is where you’ll need to assess whether your brand holds a top-of-mind position and whether your offerings meet their expectations.

Next, comes the selling stage, where purchase takes place. Is your website equipped to handle all transactions, how about your payment method options? Once paid, it’s time to focus on retention and advocacy, where you’ll need to continuously engage with your customers with promotions or newsletters and provide them a space to advocate for your products.

Reasons For Cart Abandonment

So now that you’re aware of the customer journey, it’s time to look at the factors that contribute to cart abandonment, especially at the purchase stage. Firstly, a complicated checkout process as well as absence of diverse payment methods can deter potential buyers. Security concerns also pose a barrier as shoppers may hesitate if they feel uncertain about the safety of their personal data. Lack of mobile-friendliness would affect a large segment of users who prefer to shop on their smartphones or tablets.

Solutions To Combat Cart Abandonment

All that said, we’ll get to the juicy bits now. Actionable steps you can take to reduce cart abandonment:

1. Streamline Your Checkout

Ensure your customers can pay smoothly as it’ll increase the likelihood of completed purchases. Curlec’s proprietary product; The Curlec Payment Gateway can manage more than 3,500 transactions per second with no redirects. This means users can pay easily without the checkout page being directed to a third party, reducing any friction points in the process. Ultimately reducing the bounce rate of your eCommerce store and increasing sales.

2. Forge Trust & Security

In such a crowded online environment, you’ll need to build trust with customers. Which brings us back to Curlec, where the most stringent data security practices take place. As card and payment data are dealt with, the gateway is compliant with PCI-DSS and SOC 2. So if you provide a secure checkout, customers are more likely to complete their purchase. 

Additionally with the Curlec Payment Gateway, you can also customise your checkout with your logo and brand colours. This ensures the entire shopping experience is branded and trustworthy – increasing brand integrity while keeping the drop-off rate on the down low. Read how Kualesa reduced their cart abandonment rate by 43%.

3. Diversify Payment Methods

It’s no secret: customers value flexibility in payment options, preferring especially those that they trust and are comfortable with. As such, Curlec provides a variety of methods; FPX, Credit and Debit Cards, eWallets, and even Buy Now Pay Later options. 

4. Optimise for Mobile

Ensure your checkout is optimised for mobile devices to accommodate the growing number of mobile shoppers. Just as customers expect ease when navigating a physical store, it’s the same when they seek a seamless browsing experience online. An experience that wouldn’t require zooming in or scrolling excessively to get from one point to another. With Curlec, checking out is as seamless as can be; frame by frame with little room for confusion. And using minimal data as possible so the payment process loads faster for quick navigation.

In conclusion

Addressing cart abandonment during the festive season requires a strategic approach that prioritises simplicity, trust, and accessibility. By implementing the above steps, you can significantly reduce drop-offs. And Curlec is right at your fingertips; providing all that’s necessary. So if you’d like to sign up or learn more, click here.

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Transform Your Payments with E-Invoice in Malaysia

Where digital transformation is reshaping traditional business landscape, Malaysia is championing the cause of financial modernisation through e-invoicing. Expected to be fully implemented, targeting all taxpayers by July 2025, this shift is not only a catalyst to streamline financial processes but also a strategic move to improve tax compliance and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth. It may sound complicated, but fret not, it’s fairly straightforward and Curlec has the solution that’s a match made in heaven.

What Is E-Invoice? 

Simply put, it’s for businesses to issue invoices through digital platforms.The MADANI government’s goal is to phase out physical paperwork for invoices, which in the long run, would help enhance the nation’s tax system and promote transparency with more accurate data. It’s also a clear sign of an evolving business environment, where businesses should recognise that adapting and implementing these changes ensure future sustainability to thrive.

Enter Curlec Invoices

The tool that can provide you a cutting edge; to align your business with the government’s national agenda. How? Well, for starters, it’s extremely easy to create an invoice with Curlec. In a matter of seconds, you can generate and send an invoice to your customers through the Curlec Dashboard. And the cherry on top? You can seamlessly and conveniently integrate this tool with existing billing or order management systems using our APIs (for free when you activate the Curlec Payment Gateway).

As a comprehensive solution designed with a plethora of features, you can also embed Payment Links to simplify payments, set due dates to manage timelines, and provide an option for partial payments. Receiving payment is no hurdle as the methods included are popular options such as FPX, Credit and Debit cards like MasterCard, Visa, UnionPay, and eWallets like GrabPay, TNG, and more. 

In Conclusion

The benefits are clear and ample – Curlec Invoices not only align with the government’s initiatives, but it’s a powerful tool that’ll elevate the entire invoicing process. It’s extremely easy to onboard the Curlec Payment Gateway, where it also comes with added feature such as Payment Links, Payment Buttons, and Payment Pages (at no extra cost). Take advantage of the full spectrum of benefits to elevate your business today.

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Closing the Deal: Importance of Seamless Checkouts

These days, setting up an online business has become more accessible for merchants. Likewise, Malaysian consumers are also enjoying the increasing convenience of making purchases with just a few clicks. Yet, in the fiercely competitive digital landscape, standing out demands more than just a virtual storefront. And those who prioritise providing exceptional and seamless checkouts may be able to distinguish themselves.

Understanding “Checkout”

The term “checkout” is where a prospective customer concludes their journey by completing the purchase – making their payment. It is at this juncture that the transaction reaches its culmination, marking the point where a potential buyer transitions into a confirmed customer.

Why Is A Seamless Checkout Experience Important?

As merchants, you’ll definitely want your customers to reach that final point. A study done by Baymard found that 18% of users abandoned their carts due to long and complex checkout process. Which means hiccups during checkout may equate to direct loss of revenue. That said, by minimising cart abandonment, businesses not only salvage potential sales but also foster customer loyalty through positive experiences. 

It’s simple: ensuring efficient and seamless checkout will enhance user satisfaction, which also increases overall conversions, directly contributing to higher revenue. Prioritising user-centric checkout is not just about convenience, but a strategic imperative for growth.

In Comes The Curlec Payment Gateway

Now, we have that exact imperative for your business: Curlec Payment Gateway. Firstly, integration is as easy as ABC and it offers a uniquely smooth and sophisticated transaction experience. With no redirects to third-party apps or pages, users can enjoy a frictionless journey to complete payment – all within the same page.

The payment gateway is also customisable, where you can include your brand colours and logos to ensure cohesive and branded touchpoints. This flexibility extends to payment methods; supporting FPX, Debit, Credit Cards, and eWallets. Notably, our robust infrastructure allows you to manage up to 3,500 transactions per second, that way, every customer’s payment process is swift and secure. Based on a case study done on one of our merchants; Kualesa, an eco conscious apparel brand, we were able to reduce their clicks-to-checkout rate by 43% which led to less drop-offs and overall improved user experience! 

In conclusion

A seamless checkout experience is not merely a convenience but a strategy for e-commerce success. From minimising cart abandonment to fostering customer loyalty, each aspect contributes to a robust bottom line. In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a user-centric approach to checkout is key, which is why we’re dedicated to providing just that – where simplicity meets success.

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Elevate Your Online Presence: 5 Tips For E-Commerce Triumph

Welcome to the dynamic world of e-commerce, where businesses are no longer confined by brick-and-mortar walls but empowered to reach global audiences with just a click. Venturing online is undeniably a game-changer, but the journey from startup to sensation will require a strong digital presence. Read on to navigate the right strategies that’ll make you unforgettable.

1. Designing an intuitive layout

First impression matters – and your e-commerce storefront is the entry to a memorable customer experience. A user-friendly design is not just aesthetics but whether it’s intuitive and easy to navigate for your consumers. Things to note: keep the layout clean, offerings should be easy to look for, and lastly, place your calls-to-action strategically that’ll guide your visitors toward making a purchase.

2. Crafting compelling product descriptions

Product information involves more than listing specifications. It’s about showcasing how your product solves a problem, fulfils a desire, or enhances a lifestyle. Weave narratives that not only describe the product’s features but also evoke emotions and entice your audience. You’ll want your product to pique enough interest so that it’ll lead them to the “Buy Now” button. Tip: A product that’ll complement this journey is the Curlec Payment Buttons – a tool that’ll help you create a CTA to checkout conveniently.

3. Utilise seasonal or exclusive offers

Picture this: limited-time discounts, exclusive bundles, or early-bird access to new collections. These promotions not only incentivise purchases but also create a sense of urgency and excitement. Not only does this elevate your online store’s visibility but also foster loyal customers – turning them from one-time into repeat buyers. 

4. Knowing your audience and keeping them happy

Beyond demographics, knowing their preferences, pain points, and expectations allows you to tailor your offerings to meet their needs. Imagine an e-commerce store where each visit feels personalised. Hence, running a survey on your social media can help garner what matters to your target audience. Where customers are not just transactions but valued relationships. 

5. Providing a secure checkout with a trusted payment gateway

Now, to the last touchpoint in the customer journey; making a successful payment. Ensuring a secure payment gateway is not just about protecting sensitive information but about instilling confidence in your customers. What’s important is a user-friendly payment interface, multiple payment options, and a robust security infrastructure. Luckily for you, the Curlec Payment Gateway has all that and even more. From a bespoke Dashboard to manage payments to automating invoices easily, Curlec has it all and you’ll want that on your e-commerce store.

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Payment Buttons: 3 Types to Transform Transactions

In the last decade or so, customer habits have done a 180. Most things have gone online and we’re loving the convenience. Whether it’s settling tuition fees, queueing for concert tickets, or buying lunch – the way to pay is through online payments. 

But hey, setting up a payment gateway? Time, money, resources – it’s an entire ordeal and you know it. Enter our game-changer: the Curlec Payment Gateway. A simple and seamless one-stop solution to handle all things payment without the headaches. More importantly, it comes with a free tool that doesn’t require any coding. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry can use – and that’s the Payment Buttons. So come find out the three types of buttons to transform your transactions here.

Buy Now Button

If you’re hosting an event such as a seminar or conference, a “Buy Now Button” would come in handy. Let’s say these are your “products”; it comes with a fixed amount of availability at different price points.

Seat Number(s)

Availability

Price 

Seat 1-50

50

RM200

Seat 51-100

50

RM150

Generate a button with the What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor on our Dashboard and embed onto your website with a single line of code. Once done, customers will be able to click the Payment Button, select their seats depending on availability, and pay in seconds!

Quick Pay Button

Next, imagine you’re a freelance designer, ready to offer personalised design workshops to guide budding designers in using a particular creative software. You decide to host a paid 2-hour online session at a set fee of RM399. Since it’s a fixed amount, you can create a “Quick Pay Button” tailored for that particular workshop. Embed it onto your site so that interested attendees can easily navigate and pay through the payment gateway.

Donate Now Button

Now, making a positive impact can be just a click away. By creating a “Donate Now Button”, NGOs can effortlessly engage with supporters and raise funds for crucial causes. For example, you’re running an NGO collecting funds for flood victims and this is how your materials look like:

Aid Package

Amount

Dry Rations

RM100

Sanitation Kit

RM50

Donate Any Amount

Minimum of RM25

You can easily create a “Donate Now Button” so donors can contribute to the cause and aid flood victims – all with a simple click. It’s convenient and effective for NGOs and businesses alike to mobilise support and make a difference.

Small Button, Big Impact

The versatility of Payment Buttons presented offers a dynamic approach to optimise payments and boost revenue (or funds for a cause). Whether you’re an event organiser looking to promote a conference or an NGO aiming to simplify the donation process to save the trees, these tailored buttons are game-changers. With absolutely no coding required, you’ll be able to improve user experience, leading to revenue growth. And besides the Payment Button, Curlec also offers Payment Links, Payment Pages, and Invoices (that come FREE of charge when you onboard the Payment Gateway).

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Navigating Data Security With Your Online Transactions

Five years ago, did you ever think that payment gateways would become such an integral part of daily life? Fast forward to today and chances are, you’ll encounter one whenever you make an online purchase. Whether it’s buying groceries or the latest smartphone, have you ever wondered what exactly happens to your data security?

The crucial role PCI-DSS compliance

Let’s start with a crucial point: a payment gateway shouldn’t retain your data in its original form. And to know whether it can or not is through its PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance. The PCI Security Standards Council is a worldwide body responsible for establishing regulatory guidelines regarding the protection of cardholder data in all online payment systems. It has emerged as a global benchmark for online security and you’d be glad to know that the Curlec Payment Gateway adheres to that standard of data security.

Importance of https://

Data security begins the moment you visit a website. A payment gateway should employ the most secure SSL certificate – ensuring encryption for your data. It might sound technical, but in other words, you can check your browser’s address bar. If you see “https://” at the start of a URL, it means it’s secure. 

Most e-commerce sites prioritise working with secure payment gateways to safeguard their customers’ data. One of them being Curlec, where the best encryption practices with the highest assurance through SSL and EV SSL (Extended Validity SSL) certificates are used. But to delve deeper into how we enhance data security, let’s explore a concept called tokenization.

Preventing exposure of data with tokenization

When you key in your 16-digit card number into a payment gateway, it takes those digits and substitutes them with a single, unique token. This “token” is a distinct set of characters that replace your original card number – ensuring your payment is processed securely without revealing any sensitive information. These tokens are generated randomly, adding an extra layer of protection, making it improbable to reverse-engineer. 

To sum it up, payment gateways now offer a high level of data security. You can confidently engage in digital transactions with a peace of mind, especially with Curlec. And as a bonus, you’d offer not just security but brand trust too through our customisations that allow you to change colours and add your logo on the checkout page.

However, for both customers and businesses, it’s still essential to remain vigilant and be cautious to avoid potential pitfalls. Your awareness and responsible online practices are key to maintaining a secure and enjoyable online payment experience for all.