4. How safe is it to accept credit card payments over the internet? Is it really secure?

Absolutely, it is very secure and safe to accept credit card payments over the internet. Of course with any transaction there are other precautions you can take to verify the transaction to reduce the possibility of fraud.

One of the best ways to prevent online fraud is to use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) systems that requires the credit card data to be encrypted before being transmitted over the internet so that it cannot be intercepted by a third party. Other ways to reduce fraud is to use the AVS system as well as CVV2.

Secure server with certification - Make sure your server has SSl encryption becasue once the customer submits their credit card information it is sent in uncrypted text form tot he server hosting the website and since it is possible that this data can be intercepted it is pertinent that you must use 128 bit encryption to ensure that no one can obtain this information. SSL also makes sure that the site is authentic by checking who owns the site and the owners physical location.

Order Form - This is a form your customers will fill out to secure their order with your company. It is absolutely neccessary to make sure that this form is 110% secure and is located on a secure server. You don't want to have any of your customers data ccompromised as this could adversly affect your business in the long run.

Gateway - The gateway is what allows for the processing, authorization, and management of your credit card transactions online. This is also how you recieve your money from the credit card sale. Once the cardmember has been verified you are sent the proceeds from the sale.

If you already have a shopping cart make sure you that the software that you have is compatible with your shopping cart. If you don't have a shopping cart the customer can still input their information using the form using SSL technology but having a shopping cart makes it easier for the customer.