Security and Safety Best Practices

Mayhem's unique payment system, where customers pay you directly through PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp, creates specific security considerations. Here's how to protect yourself and your customers.

Account Security

Mayhem Account Protection: Use a strong, unique password for your Mayhem account. Enable two-factor authentication if available. Since your account controls your storefront and order management, keep it secure.

Payment Account Security: Your PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp accounts are critical to your business. Use strong passwords and enable all available security features on these platforms.

Email Security: Since order notifications and customer communications often happen via email, secure your email account with two-factor authentication.

Payment Security Considerations

Direct Payment Risks: Because customers pay you directly (not through Mayhem), you're subject to the security policies and fraud protection of PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp rather than Mayhem's protections.

Payment Verification: Always verify that payments have actually cleared in your account before fulfilling orders. Screenshots of payments can be faked, so check your actual account balance.

Chargeback Risk: Credit card chargebacks and payment disputes happen at the PayPal/Venmo/CashApp level. Understand each platform's seller protection policies.

Payment Method Validation: Be cautious of customers asking you to use unfamiliar payment methods or services. Stick to the payment options you've verified and understand.

Protecting Customer Information

Order Information: Customer contact information and order details are visible in your Mayhem dashboard. Treat this information confidentially and don't share it with third parties.

Communication Records: Keep records of customer communications for dispute resolution, but store them securely and don't share unnecessarily.

Payment Information: Never ask customers for their full credit card numbers, bank account details, or passwords. Legitimate payments happen through the established payment platforms.

Recognizing Common Scams

Overpayment Scams: Be wary of customers who "accidentally" send too much money and ask for refunds of the difference. This is a common scam where the original payment is later reversed.

Payment Platform Spoofing: Fraudsters may send fake payment confirmations that look like they're from PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp. Always verify payments in your actual account.

Emergency Purchase Stories: Be suspicious of customers with urgent stories who want to bypass your normal process or payment methods.

Third-Party Payment Offers: Avoid customers who want someone else to pay for their order or want to use complex payment arrangements.

Safe Business Practices

Clear Policies: Establish clear refund, shipping, and communication policies. Post these on your Mayhem page and stick to them consistently.

Documentation: Keep records of all transactions, communications, and order fulfillment. This protects you in case of disputes.

Gradual Growth: As you scale your business, be cautious of suddenly large orders that seem out of proportion to your usual sales.

Identity Verification: For high-value orders or custom work, consider requiring additional verification before starting work.

Platform-Specific Safety

Basic vs Standard Plans: The Standard plan's automatic payment processing through PayPal can offer better fraud protection than manual payments on the Basic plan.

Order Tracking: Use Mayhem's order management system to track all transactions rather than relying only on payment platform records.

Customer Communication: Use Mayhem's messaging system for order-related communications to maintain records and professionalism.

What to Do If Problems Arise

Payment Disputes: Handle these through the payment platform (PayPal, Venmo, CashApp) rather than through Mayhem, since that's where the transaction occurred.

Fraudulent Orders: If you suspect fraud, don't fulfill the order. Contact the payment platform and document everything.

Account Security Breaches: If your Mayhem account is compromised, change your password immediately and check all linked payment accounts.

Customer Harassment: Use Mayhem's reporting features for serious issues, and don't hesitate to refuse service to problematic customers.

Privacy Considerations

Personal Information Sharing: Be mindful of how much personal information you share on your Mayhem page. Your bio and contact information are public.

Social Media Links: Remember that linking your social accounts on Mayhem makes them easily discoverable by customers.

Location Information: Consider whether including specific location information in your bio is necessary for your business.

Working with Payment Platform Limitations

Terms of Service: Stay informed about the terms of service for PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp. Violations can result in account suspension.

Transaction Limits: Understand the transaction limits and verification requirements for your payment platforms.

International Transactions: Be aware of additional risks and requirements when dealing with international customers.

Building Customer Trust

Professional Communication: Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries to establish legitimacy.

Transparent Policies: Clear shipping, refund, and communication policies help customers feel secure ordering from you.

Social Proof: Customer testimonials and social media presence can help establish trustworthiness.

Consistent Branding: Professional, consistent presentation across your Mayhem page and social media builds confidence.

Red Flags to Watch For

Payment Method Requests: Customers asking to pay through unusual methods or platforms you don't normally use.

Urgent Communication: High-pressure tactics or claims of emergencies that require immediate action.

Information Requests: Customers asking for unusual personal information or account details.

Complex Payment Arrangements: Requests for refunds before orders are fulfilled or complicated payment splitting.

Emergency Procedures

Compromised Accounts: Know how to quickly secure your Mayhem, email, and payment accounts if you suspect unauthorized access.

Disputed Transactions: Understand the dispute resolution process for each payment platform you use.

Legal Issues: Know when to seek legal advice, especially for high-value disputes or recurring problems.

Remember that Mayhem's direct payment model gives you more control over your transactions but also more responsibility for security. Stay informed about the policies and protections offered by your payment platforms, and maintain professional practices to protect both yourself and your customers.

The independence of receiving payments directly means you need to be more vigilant about security than on platforms that handle all payment processing, but it also means you have more control over your business relationships and payment methods.