> I have never used my credit cards over the Internet and never intend to do so.

This is what you say you won't do: connect to a web site and the little lock appears in IE indicating a secure transaction, meaning the transmission of your credit card number is encrypted. This gets stored in a database and is then electronically verified. A few days later your order shows up at your door step. Not a single person has seen your credit card number.

Do you order things from a catalog? Do you give your credit card number over the phone? Do you buy from QVC? Do you go out to dinner and give your credit card to the waiter who then disappears with it to parts unknown in the building? Do you know what happens in the internal systems at the gas station when you swipe your card at the pump?

IMO, you're safer buying over the web than in person. And, both VISA and MasterCard now ensure that if your number is compromised on the web, you're not liable for any fraudulant charges.