This announcement describes a rather sophisticated technology that delivers nthe same information that any retail clerk can capture today. Using stolen credit card numbers is a risky business, and the ability of the credit card companies in detecting fraud and locating criminals is quite real. Of course, since Federal law requires the credit card companies, not the user, to pay the costs of fraud, First Virtual's entire premise is a red herring. If the credit card companies are willing to take the risk, they will (and are). Scare tactics are nothing new in the PR business, but I would recommend that the principals at FV learn about "cutouts" for this type of gimmickry if they wish to preserve their reputations.... dvw