System and method for on-line payment

摘要

In a computer based system and method for on-line payment, a transaction is completed between a shopper and a merchant using one or two trusted third parties. Both the shopper and merchant may use the same trusted third party or each may use its own trusted third party. A trusted third party receives and sends messages to and from the shopper and merchant as well as a payment center. Each message provides encrypted information on the nature of the transaction. The trusted third party does not have the capability to decrypt detailed transaction information and thus is not privy to the nature of the transaction. Should a dispute arise, all parties involved have sufficient encrypted information in the messages to determine the nature of the transaction and the steps concluded.