Eckoh plc, a UK provider of secure payment products, reports a contract to provide hosted secure payment services to Thames Water. Eckoh says that its secure payment services now handle more than $1bn in secure payments annually.
The payments software comprises CallGuard and EckohPAY. CallGuard prevents payment card details from being seen or heard by contact centre agents when customers make payments over the phone, and stops any of the card data entering the IT of the organisation. Eckoh’s PCI DSS level one compliant contact centre operation will also be used as an overflow, for taking secure customer payments where necessary.
Customers will be able to make bill payments over the phone using EckohPAY, Eckoh’s automated service which will validate the caller against their customer number, capture card details and handle card authorisation and settlement.
Stuart Ledger, Chief Financial Officer – Retail Service at Thames Water, said: “We selected Eckoh because of their flexible approach, their excellent reputation within the utilities industry and their highest level of PCI DSS accreditation. CallGuard and EckohPAY will ensure that we can efficiently service high demand, but most importantly give our customers the confidence that their payments are being handled in a secure manner, whether they are paying through telephone automation or through our advisors.”
And Nik Philpot, Chief Executive Officer of Eckoh, said: “I’m very pleased to announce this significant new agreement with Thames Water, which is now our largest client within the water utilities sector. Following this contract Eckoh provides payments services to 65% of England and Wales’ water and wastewater companies. This is not only testament to the quality and reputation of our secure payment products, but the importance that utility companies are placing on protecting their customer’s data. We look forward to developing a strong relationship with Thames over the coming years.”
