General Chat

Call me paranoid if you like but as one not used to buying on line, can I be assured that the site GRO for purchasing cert's is protected before I give out my details or should I phone to purchase. Please can someone advise?

I have used the GRO site many times.
http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/

Happy hunting :-)

Thank you Joy I have been reading about computer scams etc so I can't help but be paranoid! Helps that others have used it ok though' thankyou.

Protected from what?!!! Being a government type instrumentality I would imagine they would have all the correct checks and balances in place to protect their system from gremlins.

There are probably people out there who have been purchasing GRO certificates on line for many many years. Can't say I've heard any stories of GRO fraud with regard to credit card misuse. I am more reluctant to give my card details over the phone to an unknown person on the other side of the world. I have a particular card I use which has a very small balance on it. I only use it for family history purchases. Most banks will refund you money stolen from your credit card, provided of course you have not been dumb when using or storing it.

If you are really concerned pay by cheque or in person. I would imagine GRO would have that option available to their customers.

You're welcome :-)

I have used that site for several years, for obtaining birth, marriage and death certificates.

Generally speaking, for birth and death certificates, I try applying to the relevant register office who, in my experience, have mainly gone the extra mile for me.

OK thanks again, good idea about using a card with small amount on it though, may try that in future Aunty Sherlock. Thankyou too Shelley-me, PARANOID-never!!

Joy, what a good idea as most of my family come from the same area, it's just that I am a bit impatient to get the first one underway! Will do that next time though-fefinately.
x

GRO have always been reliable. My orders have always arrived on time and I have received a refund for a certificate for which the details didn't match properly.

I've used the GRO for a long time for on-line certs and never had any problems, it is, after all a Govt site, so should be safe!
My hubby and I have one credit card with a low credit limit, which we got specifically for on-line purchasing and we only use it for that. It makes us feel safer in a climate where you hear some horror stories re: scams.

K

It is far safer to use a trusted secure internet site than giving details out over the phone. And as for sending cheques out in the post - don't. They have your bank details, your signature and probably your addresss on the back. too!

Sorry for late reply on the last few posts, thank you so much. I have done the deed and sent for my first certificate and all appears to have gone according to plan but I really do think I will get a card with a certain amount on it for these kind of things as has been suggested. Thanks again, you all have been really helpful as always.

oldbean

Thanks again to everyone that gave me a reassurance on ordering my first certificate. It was my Parents wedding cert' and it arrived safe and sound and my money has gone out without a hitch, a very professional service. I shall be ordering my next lot very soon.

Great help from you all

I am glad all is well :-)