is paying with a credit card over the internet safe?

[Chooco]

to register a domain name you NEED to make a credit card payment over the internet, there are a LOT of hackers out there trying to get peoples' credit card numbers because it's big money.... on the other hand those 'secure' sites have MASSIVE encryptions on things which are very hard for anybody to crack.

basially would it be safe to make a payment with credit card in order for me to register a domain just so i can play around with it?

[ClubMed]

I don't think there is a definite answer here Chooco.

It would depend on the site and the security methods they implement.

You should also ask about how you are insured against credit card theft and fraud.

Maybe some research into the site you want to purchase from. What kind of encryption do they use? How and where do they store your data? etc..

That’s all I can think of at the moment.

[Chooco]

well i can either register a .tk name for $10 a year minimum of 2 years from dot.tk
or i can register a .net name for $15 per year minimum of 1 year at http://www.directnic.com/

[ClubMed]

You can get a .net domain for about $10 from Gandi. A friend of mine bought a domain name from them without problems.

Some info about Gandi:
http://www.gandi.net/faq/index.html.en#Euro

[Geotpf]

I look at credit card purchases over the internet this way. A hacker could steal my credit card number from a site. Or my phone could be tapped when I order over the phone. Or the waiter making seven bucks an hour could be writing down all the credit card numbers of people who eat in the restraunt he works in. All of them are possible, none of them are likely.

[FalcomPSX]

I'd agree with Geotpf, it's not too likely, and anyone can burn you in any form of payment, from in person, to phone orders to internet orders. The internet is just kinda of scary cause there are so many millions of people on it at once, so your exposed to more people at once, hence a higher chance of getting burned. but I'd still say it's unlikely, as most users are honest, and not hackers, or what not. and with so many people on and so few trying to ruin it, your chances of getting picked are actually quite few.
Personally, i've not yet been burned on the internet, or any other way as far as credit card fraud, or theft or whatnot.

[thekingofpain]

Never had a problem and have spent 1000's online---key is a reputable company with a secure ordering method, some folks set up a limited amount card for online transactions only...

[Virus]

1. Stay away from sites that don't have https:// at the start of their URLs, when entering transaction info. This is a very common problem. Most smaller companies don't want to pay the 500+ US to have Verisign vouch for there SSL certificate. Using an unsigned certificate with a small explanation on the site, explaining why a grant access window pops up. Is much more secure then having nothing at all.

2. Avoid sites that store your credit card info. Many of the larger sites now have a check box asking if you want to have them remember your card info. The payment gateway company will still store your card info, but they are generally more secure then the average e-commerce site.

3. Shop from the larger older ecommerce sites. This may have not been the smartest thing to do in the past. After being a few years in operation. They have more experience and manpower to insure everything is secure.


I would stick with DirectNIC if I were you. They have been in the business for a while. They have a very good support staff, and they also have a really good domain maintenance interface. I am planning on soon switching my domains over to them from OpenSRS.org.

[Jonty]

I agree with everything that has been said.

A hacker would have to be listening at the precise moment your card details were being sent over the net, much more likely your card details would be stolen in the other ways already mentioned.

I'd say go for it!

[brandon184]

I think you're more likely to lose your credit card, have it stolen or (like someone else) said, have the # written down by a waiter in a restaurant than you are to have it stolen online. Encryption these days is TIGHT. The only thing you should be concerned about is what these companies do with your credit card #, as far as storing it after the transaction occurs? That's where most credit card thefts originate. Irresponsible companies storing CC #'s on unsecure servers.