The last paragraph in that article O’Meara recommends if you use a debit card, make sure it has a Visa or MasterCard logo because those are treated by card issuers the same as a credit card for fraudulent purchases – except that the money has still left your checking account and may take some time to get back. I asked and was told years ago that a debit card used as a credit carries the same protection. I use mine everywhere. I don't even know my pin number, never used it, nor would I ever for this exact reason.