Top News In Payments: Advances Let Gig Workers Receive Early Pay; Juul To Adopt New Verification System

Today in the payments news roundup, a report highlights advances that can help gig workers receive early pay. Also, Facebook is staying ahead of advertising fraud through vetting and automated detection systems. And Juul will reportedly be adopting a new age verification system, while Fitbit has introduced a new monthly premium subscription offering.

New Report: Why 84 Percent Of Paycheck-To-Paycheck Gig Workers Want Early Pay

While the gig economy is upending many elements of the traditional employee-employer dynamic, the way gig workers are paid has barely kept pace with these developments. Pay advances, however, can enable workers to receive full or partial payments for assigned — but not yet finished — jobs.

Trending: How Facebook Unfriends Ad Fraudsters

Facebook is a power player in the advertising market and its broad presence makes it an desirable target for fraudsters. Through advertiser vetting and automated detection systems, however, the company stays ahead of advertising fraud.

Juul To Adopt More Stringent Anti-Youth Checks

eCigarette brand Juul will reportedly be adopting a new age verification system to help cut down on underage smoking. The company is going to offer upwards of $100 million in incentives for retail shops to adopt the new system, which will block the purchase of a Juul until the confirmation of an appropriate age.

Capital One Hacker Indicted On Fraud, Theft Charges

The woman accused of one of the largest instances of corporate hacking in recent times was indicted on charges of computer data theft and wire fraud. A federal grand jury indicted a 33-year-old software engineer for the crime.

Fitbit Pivots To Subscription, Voice Services

Fitbit has introduced a $10 monthly premium subscription offering, marking a shift toward content and away from hardware. The company is facing increasing competition in the wearables space from Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, which offers cheaper alternatives, and Apple, which rules the high end of the market.

Apple Could Start Online Sales In India Within Months

Online sales of Apple products will roll out in India, which has relaxed its rules for foreign companies along with the requirement to source 30 percent of production locally. The iPhone, Mac computers and iPads will reportedly soon be available online in the country, and a Mumbai physical store is said to be in the works.