I naively assumed if I was using the "debit" option, then the money was being removed directly from my account, like an electronic check, with no CC fees. I'm one of those people who rarely has cash on hand, and frequently use my debit card. No more - cash or check only at local businesses from now on for me...
I don't buy the BS about tax scams; like Jodi says, all of the restaurants I go to use an itemized POS system, and give me a register receipt, no matter how I pay. If they don't, request one. I don't believe they are fudging the receipts to scam the IRS; that is more fear-based conjecture to justify a bad business practice. We've all been lulled by the empty promise of credit for too long - it is an evil system. My daddy was right all along - if you can't pay for it with cash, right now, today, don't buy it, you can't afford it.