Now, in a survey of more than 600 small business owners and executives, the Ponemon Institute has tried to put a number on the cost of credit card account fraud for those vulnerable targets, comparing the damage with the cost of physical theft by employees or burglars.

FORBES: For Small Businesses, Account Fraud Adds Up

Sure, a fingerprint will identify a user to his or her systems, but what about the possibility of connecting a fingerprint to an iTunes account, a social networking or job-hunting site, or even a credit card number?

FORBES: Apple Acquires AuthenTec: A Fingerprint as a Key?

Combine these facts with the practices of many credit card companies that provide detailed account information by automated phone systems when you call from your home number and this can become a real threat.

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After selecting either a credit card or bank account as the source of funds, the user sends an SMS to TextPayMe with a mobile number and dollar amount, and the company either cuts a check or deposits the loot in the recipient's bank account.

ENGADGET: TextPayMe enables mobile-to-mobile fund transfers

When the company discovers an exposed credit card number, it notifies Scotland Yard, which then sends the information to banks who presumably close the account and notify the credit card holder.

FORBES: Is your identity being traded by criminals?