Abstract: A number of electronic communications methods are described involving a first and a second party, with assistance from at least a trusted party, enabling electronic transactions in which the first party has a message for the second party. The first party, the second party and the trusted party undertake an exchange of transmissions, at least one of which occurs electronically and in an encrypted manner, such that if all transmissions reach their destinations the second party only receives the message if the first party receives at least one receipt. Preferably, the identity of the first party is temporarily withheld from the second party during the transaction. At least one receipt received to the first party enables the first party to prove the content of the message received by the second party.