DaytonDailyNews.com

Consumer watchdog groups are warning the public to be alert to identity theft at tax time caused by using a photocopier.

Scambusters.org, an online fraud tracker, and several public service groups throughout the country, are alerting people who may be planning to make copies of their tax filings, or any other sensitive documents, such as medical cards and records, to be cautious when using digital photocopiers for the task.

That's because digital photocopiers made within the last five years have disk drives that retain information copied onto them that's accessible, unless the copier has an encryption or overwrite mechanism.

Watchdog groups warn that anyone copying sensitive information at a photocopy store or public library may unknowingly expose themselves to identify theft.

Mark Willis, community relations manager of the Dayton Metro Library, said the photocopiers used by the public at the library are not digital, so there is no risk of information being stolen from them.

"We'll definitely have to address this for the future," he said, referring to the purchase of any new copiers, here forward.

"That's really something people need to know, because they won't know to expect that when they're copying their taxes or resume," he said. "That's a hole we'll have to make sure never opens."

Experts suggest that before photocopying sensitive information, people should ask their tax preparer or copy store personnel whether data security has been installed on photocopiers.

They also suggest that employees inquire the same with their employers.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-9338 or kmcallister@DaytonDailyNews.com.