Erich - and etal,

Fascinating conversation.

Really appreciate it.

I'm left still wondering how to learn how to check that a connection is
secure with a valid certificate?

It seems a VPN would just keep where you visit private but little to  no
protection from fraudsters.

I'm exploring https://privacy.com/ as a protection against fraudsters.

I suggested if the patron's banker will allow the to pay their credit card
online bank on the brick and mortar's computer they would be better
protected than getting a VPN.

Thank you all.

Charles.