NEWPORT-Newport Police Chief Maurice Shults knows about fraud and identity theft from two angles...as a combatant and as a victim.

Speaking Thursday to the Newport Lions Club in Mountain Crest Inn, Shults said he has been targeted with identity theft and cautioned against giving out personal information.

"There have been nine million identities stolen," he said. "That's 3 percent of the U.S. population.

"I had seven hits on mine in one day. Fortunately, I was notified by the credit union about what was happening. It's scary what goes on."

Showing the Federal Trade Commission Web site, Shults said identity theft artists are creative in obtaining personal information, using everything from scam phone calls, scam letters, recording your online activity and even dumpster diving for financial receipts.

"What make us so vulnerable is we're good-hearted," he said. "They make you think they're there to help you. If you see anything that's not right, act immediately."

Shults told his audience to be cautious of phone calls where someone seeks their bank account numbers, Social Security numbers or other personal information.

He said thieves are also reverting to old methods in obtaining information.

"They will bump into you on the street and lift your wallet," he said. "They take your driver's license, Social Security card and credit cards. They can do damage in a hurry. Always check your credit card receipts and make sure the charges are legitimate."

Shults said he has one detective at Newport Police Department who works primarily on fraud and identity theft cases.

"Most of what we see is phone and utility fraud," he said. "And, a lot of times it's relatives doing it.

"Another thing we're seeing concerns illegal aliens getting jobs using someone else's Social Security card. You've got to be on the watch."

Shults said a lot of people ask how long the damage will continue when someone's identity is stolen.

"That's the biggy...we don't know. It could last five years or 20 years. Once your identity is stolen, it takes a long time to get everything fixed."

Anyone who suspects attempted fraud or identity theft is urged to contact the Newport Police Department at 623-5556.