It's quite likely that PP has changed its ways from its early days, when I took one look and said, "No way". The single-credit-card method is much more attractive than direct bank debit. However, if you're curious, you could search the Web for various breaches and controversies; a good start is at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paypal#Criticism et. seq.
I agree about the growing web of Amazon, though I don't rank them as being as rank

as Goggly-eyed. You may be correct that living in the same country as where Amazon is headquartered gives more convenient recourse, but they truly seem to care about their reputation. (Apparently, Gggl doesn't.)
Perhaps I've just had good luck with them. in any event, no complaints about the service, the payments, or the security. IMHO.
(No, I'm not connected with the company and don't own any stock in it.)
