Bob, This is sensible advice. I too am caught in this scam, and I expect that eventually my bank to cover this through Visa. I always use 'secure' payment sites, but I believe the issue in this case is that parties have stolen or hacked information which had been stored by researchinuk. This was always a great service, and I am not sure whether any part of it will survive. But we are in the 21st century, where snail mail is a complete drag. Use internet payment with caution, and change your visa number every couple of years. Elizabeth Dods hiflyte <hiflyte@telus.net> wrote: In western societies the banks do issue international money drafts/order in in most currencies. Here in Canada if you are a Senior and have a so called senior bank account (some places over 55 and others 60) they will issue the draft normally at no cost, (my banks does this). Also if you are using a credit card (e.g. Visa) from a major bank and the company you are dealing with is a legal business and you are scammed then the bank covers the illegal transaction on your card. (just had it happen and was covered by Visa) There are many other methods to pay a bill over the net, e.g. PayPal, these are very secure. When in doubt use a bank money order/draft. A finally, there are the PTT/post office who actually do have international money orders. Ask your bank Bob >