On Aug 11, 2004, Mary <mm.henson@tiscali.co.uk> wrote > I was wondering the more knowledgable listers comments on the safety > of using a credit card to purchase over the internet. I have always > been happy about buying this way but yesterday I purchased something > from a reputable company and today I received an email from an unknown > person/company acknowledging my order. It looks as if I have > purchased a computer for an amount in US dollers on a credit card > (details copied below) does anyone have any knowledge of this or > comments? If you actually ordered these on a common variety credit card you are very safe. If your card is fraudulently charged all banks in US must limit your liability to $50. Usually none. I assume UK are similar. If, however, you have a debit card that withdraws direct from your bank account, you could have a problem, because money is already withdrawn. Many internet sellers use a processing firm that may or answer or acknowledge with a different name or parent company. The worst thing you can do on-line is to use a cashier's or certified check [or CASH or wire transfer!] . The next worst is to use a personal check. Regular credit card [not debit card] is very safe. If you don't receive the goods, refuse to pay, the credit card company will back you. I know some people cannot get a credit card that is not the debit variety. My advice is not to have it on your primary checking account. If number is "stolen" you could suddenly face a zero balance. Regards, Bob