This contrasts sharply with rapid increase in ID fraud which was valued at an estimated £1.3bn last year. MyCallCredit warned that up to ten million people could have credit facilities registered in their name which they were no longer keeping track of. This could seriously put them at risk from ID fraud. Which? magazine has suggested that about 1 in 4 adults in UK have either had their identity stolen or know someone who has fallen victim to ID fraud. ID thieves can run up credit card bills, as well as ordering additional new cards, accessing victim’s bank accounts, carrying out various other forms of fraud in victim’s name, such as with government benefits, and taking out fraudulent loans. In an effort to reduce ID theft, Which? ( http://www.which.net/ ) advised consumers to: * not use their mother's maiden name or place of birth as a security password * check their credit record annually * ensure bank knows of any address changes * shred or rip-up post before throwing it in bin * never use same password for all accounts * not carry address details in purses or wallets * check bank accounts and credit transaction files regularly

Further information on credit cards: Regulations: Financial Services Authority ( http://www.fsa.gov.uk/ ) Credit card comparisons: Moneynet ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/credit-card/index.shtml ) Payment Protection: Barclaycard ( http://www.barclaycard.co.uk/Products/Apply/Card_Benefits/PPI/index.html )

Even if it is small scale business (a cottage industry or so) one should not hesitate in getting it insured. For business insurance can save you from many unwanted and unexpected hazards for instance theft, robbery, any accident-breaking of fire, problems that come with time-the malfunctioning of an old machine, and any damage to life and property. Nowadays all sorts of businesses even those which are operated online can be safeguarded through insurance. All it takes is to inquire a little about companies that can take up your work’s insurance and with open eyes decide what is essentially to be insured and so secured. “Be sure that you and your business is insured.”