2 days after Google ushers in Checkout, PayPal sends an email announcing opening of new regional HQ in Singapore. PayPal Private Limited, as it'll be called, will cater to PayPal's non-US, non-EU customers effective 1st August, which is a month from now. In a way, this was destined to happen, and hopefully the new dispensation will offer improved services.

What is phishing? Phishing involves the sending of an e-mail falsely claiming to be from an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a Web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security number, and bank account numbers.

Stormpay, one of the larger online payment processors, recently froze many of their merchant and members accounts starting on 2/9/2006. Stormpay also raided the balances of many of the account holders and literally took money without explaining why. So many online businesses and Stormpay account owners were completely take by surprise with this latest move by the company.