SSL provides authentication of the server system and encrypts the data stream automatically. SSL used outside the U.S. only supports a limited encryption of 40 bits. However decrypting 40-bit encryption would still require expert assistance. It is much easier for anyone who intends to fraud to pick the credit card numbers from the physical payment slips of restaurants or shops. If the buyer disputes the purchase, he or she will get the money back.
Different companies have different policies.
Some return the money immediately and investigate later. Others keep the money and investigate first. But in all cases, the buyer needs to produce evidence that the exchange of goods or services took place. The answer is that it is much less safe. The SSL process does not provide any authentication of the buyer, so the merchant has not proof of the identity of the buyer.