Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm buying a baby burm from Bob Clark through email, I know he is a well known reliable source, but sending out my credit card number over an email doesnt seem very secure. I was just wondering, is there anything to keep him from overcharging me? Or is it pure trust?

No, there's nothing to stop him from overchanging you in the first place (same with ordering over the phone or through the mail), but if you're overcharged you call your credit card company and dispute the charge. Noone can stay in business very long doing that, because if the credit card companies keep getting complaints, they'll pull his account and he won't be able to accept credit cards any more.

If you're really concerned, I'm sure you could arrange to pay by postal money order. That won't stop someone from taking your money and not sending what you ordered, but they can't get more than what you send, and it becomes a federal mail fraud case if they rip you off.
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Larry D. Fishel
Side effects may include paralysis
and death but are generally mild.

Unless you are sending an encrypted e-mail you shouldn't use e-mail send your CC account number. Give Bob Clark a call to give him your credit info. I'd worry a lot less about him misusing your account than the strangers out there who might intercept an unencrypted e-mail. You can always check your statement balance afterwards if you are really concerned about unauthorized charges to your account.
Lora

I'm not really worried about Bob overcharging, but what you said about the other person intercepting the email. Does stuff like that happen alot? You guys have me so worried right now! Do I really have something to worry about?

Think of it as writing your account number and expiration date on a post card without an envelope and sending through the postal service. You don't know how many people might be handling the mail and though most of the process is automated, someone somewhere may take a look at it along the way. There are some shifty people out there and I'd rather not give them the opportunity if I could prevent it. A few cents for a long distance call (vs. a free e-mail) is not too much to pay for peace of mind. Call me paranoid, but I'd hate to have to go through the hassle of cancelling my card and dealing with the credit card fraud bureau.
Lora