Are merchant account providers really safe from hackers and other forms of fraud?

I heard that merchant account companies are not run by American firms, is this true? Are they still safe then?

Do many webmasters use merchant account providers? Are there any other methods to receive payment for online services?

I’ve worked with a merchant provider, and I really hated the service because they always had technical problems. I know this is sometimes unavoidable, but is there a site with a system that doesn’t go bust most of the time?

what kind of security measures do merchant account providers implement to protect the merchants? do they come for free or are their additional payments?

i’m so totally new to this. i have a lot of questions regarding the workings of merchant account services, but i’ve had a really bad experience with some salespeople when i tried asking how it all worked. i wonder if there are any merchant account providers with personnel patient enough to answer my questions, because i have a lot. to those who can help, thanks a bunch.

Do merchant account providers charge really exorbitant fees for their services? Are they worth what they charge?

I’ve read an article saying some merchant account providers, not being on US soil, are nothing more than scams, is this true?

Who handles the money issues and nitty gritty in merchant account providers? Do they ask help from banks?