Have you ever watched Apollo Robbins give a demonstration of pickpocketing?  (e.g. https://www.ted.com/talks/apollo_robbins_the_art_of_misdirection)  It doesn't really matter what "technical" protections you have (e.g. inside pocket, button/zipper/clasp).  He is successful because of psychology.  The man steals eyeglasses from people who can't see without them... and they don't notice!  

The skill of a good fraudster is not technical.  It is social/psychological.  Thus adding a VPN (technical hurdle) into the mix is essentially meaningless for fraud.  A VPN gives you privacy against a technical attack from someone owning or already compromising the network you are using.  Putting an extra lock on your door doesn't stop a con-man from convincing you to open it.  The only real solution for fraud is training and -- unfortunately -- suspicion and distrust.

Erich


On Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 20:51, Charles Meyer eloquently inscribed:

> 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.