Chris - Please do not use my name on the air. For some of us, the economic crisis started before last fall.

Three years ago I had to file for bankruptcy due to medical bills. I didn't owe that much, but had too little income to pay it off. I am still unemployed, uninsured, partly disabled and officially I am homeless, since I live among friends without paying rent.

After that, I have avoided every form of credit and cut my expenses by 50%. I have a debit card to use when I occasionally get paid by check.

The question I have is how can I protect myself from fraudulent use of this card that appears to be a VISA, since it is not a credit card? Is there any other way to pay on-line or without cash, that is as safe as credit cards?