Are you sure about that?
Visa will refund you money if your card is lost or stolen: http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/debit/visa_check_cards_fa...
My personal bank also has similar verbiage for my debit card. They also mention that internet purchases are considered non-PIN purchases and are offered the same protection.
Yes, there is more risk since money can be taken directly out of your account instead of going against your credit, but there are mitigations in place.