Copiers create new threat of identity theft

With less than a month until tax day, you've probably got all your records together to prepare your return -- if you haven't already got your refund back and spent.

It's a good time to pay special attention to the need to protect your identity.

Most of us know enough not to give Social Security or credit card information out to someone who calls on the phone, to shred financial documents we no longer need and to be careful when making online transactions, but there is a new threat most of us haven't thought of.

And, it's a threat we might have little control over.

It's the copy machine in the tax preparer's office, your workplace, at your health care providers, the copy center or even in your home.

No, you don't have to leave a document behind to be a victim of identity theft, although that can easily happen.

The threat comes from the sophistication of modern copying machines, which are really just dedicated computers, containing hard drives and all.

The problem especially arises when the machine has outlived its usefulness, is traded in or scrapped.

One security expert demonstrated to CBS News how easy it was to connect a laptop to a copy machine and download data including a child support document, an IRA application, and Caroline Kennedy's home and work telephone number.

Many of the latest copiers have security systems that take care of the problem, but there are still thousands of machines in warehouses and scrap piles that contain sensitive personal information.

If you're in charge of the copy machine, make sure its hard drive is wiped clean before it leaves the office. If someone asks for personal information like your Social Security number make sure they really need it, and realize how important it is that they keep it secure.

Other tips to keep in mind:

* Beware of "shoulder-surfers" attempting to catch your PIN number at the checkout counter or ATM machine.

* Keep your credit card receipts and compare them to the bill.

* Fill in loan and credit applications consistently.

* Monitor your credit accounts closely and close out unused credit cards.

* Limit the number of cards you carry.

* Get a credit report at least once a year and clean up any errors, especially credit accounts that are not yours.

* Drop bill payment in a mailbox instead of leaving them in your mailbox for the carrier to pick up.

* Notify all of your creditors when you are moving so credit information and new cards don't arrive at your old address.

* Give your Social Security number out only when absolutely necessary, and don't carry your Social Security Card and drivers license together in your wallet.

* Don't give Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers to anyone who contacts you through telephone solicitation.

* Make sure online transactions are handled through an encrypted mode with a reliable site. You can spot an encrypted page by the prefix "https" instead of just "http."

* And, by all means, buy a good paper shredder and use it on a regular basis.