Yahoo! Finance has an article today about when debit cards are wrong to use... when you should opt for a credit card instead at the checkout counter.
I find this article a bit too paranoid, I mean, come on. If you notice a fraudulent charge, just call the bank within 60 days, and they should reimburse you. (Obviously, notify them AS SOON AS you see a fraudulent or unauthorized charge on your debit card -- don't wait 60 days, as that is the absolute cut-off, after that point the liability is 100% yours in many cases.)
With that said, there are certain places and scenarios where I would be uncomfortable using either a debit card or a credit card -- in these cases I prefer to use cash, which leaves no financial paper trails and has a zero chance of resulting in authorized/fraudulent charges later on. What are these situations? Shady bars or lounges, and the same for unfamiliar restaurants -- a disgruntled or unethical server could bump up the tip amount... would you even notice? I doubt it.
Gas stations... I've heard so many cases of card jackings at gas stations, I just prefer to use cash there nowadays.
And anything where your "tab" is open -- this includes high-end bars, certain hotels and resorts, etc. I don't like the idea of leaving my credit card at a front desk with someone I don't know, and giving them carte blanche to charge anything they believe I've purchased until I ask for my card back. That's inviting fraudulent, or accidental, over-charges. Use cash in those situations.
Don't use a credit card in risky or sketchy establishments, and ESPECIALLY don't use a debit card since that is linked to your checking account.
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