Online payment services. Are they legal and safe?

Payment solutions and verification services exist in a number of different formats. Debit orders are the most common method of paying for objects online and in the real world, dealing with the client directly. These debit orders are verified by the bank (who should be not only known by the client but also exist as a trusted source) which ensures that no third party intercepts the bank payment. The bank owns the credit details of the client and only allows money to go out of the account if the client chooses to do so. Additionally, payment verification services exist on most websites where the credit card details are entered by the client. Most payment gateways are secure, if verified with a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. If this does not exist, stay clear!

A payment gateway logs the user's IP address when the user enters the details he or she wishes to pay with. This increases security, as it can be traced in future if ever a problem had to arise. Although most websites do not keep the user's personal details, unless it specifically says so on the website, do not take it as a given that they do not keep the details and use them for criminal purposes. The client is guaranteed with services such as iTrace and payment gateways that if anything goes wrong, their money is secure.

Many payment solutions contained on websites are safe and secure. However, do your research before entering any credit card details to be on the safe side.