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Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated—and more convincing—every day. Recent reports show an increase in scam text messages and phone calls designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or approving fraudulent transactions.

At CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, your security is our priority. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting yourself and your finances.

A Real Example of a Scam

You may receive a text message that appears to be from your financial institution asking you to confirm a transaction you don’t recognize. It may look legitimate and even include specific details such as a merchant name (for example, a ride-sharing service) and a dollar amount. The message might urge you to reply “YES” to approve or “NO” to deny the charge.

While it may seem helpful, responding to these messages can alert scammers that your number is active—or worse, lead to further attempts to gain access to your account.

Key takeaway: If you receive an unexpected message about a transaction, do not respond directly. Instead, contact your credit union using a verified phone number.

Common Warning Signs of Fraud

Scammers often rely on urgency and confusion to succeed. Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

• Urgent or high-pressure requests insisting you act immediately
• Unexpected one-time passcode requests that you did not initiate
• Unknown phone numbers or unfamiliar senders
• Requests for personal or financial information, such as account numbers or login credentials
• Instructions to pay using unusual methods, like gift cards or wire transfers
• Poor grammar, spelling errors, or suspicious links

Remember: legitimate financial institutions will never ask for sensitive information via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

How to Protect Yourself

Taking a few simple precautions can make a big difference:

• Do not click on links from unknown sources
• Verify the caller’s identity—hang up and call your credit union directly at 808-933-6700
• Avoid sharing sensitive information through text or phone unless you initiated the contact
• Let unknown calls go to voicemail and review them carefully
• Be cautious of caller ID—scammers can “spoof” phone numbers to appear legitimate

What to Do if You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you may have been targeted or have responded to a suspicious message:

• Contact CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union immediately
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity
• Report the incident so we can help protect your account and others in our community

For additional information on identifying and avoiding scams, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s fraud prevention resources at https://www.consumerfinance.gov.

We’re Here to Help

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out:

** Phone:** 808-933-6700 or 1-800-933-6706
** Email:** [email protected]
** Card Services Hours:** Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Hawaii Time) After hours, please contact our 24/7 support line at 866-820-2874.

Your Security Is Our Priority

Fraud can happen to anyone—but staying informed and vigilant can help keep your finances safe. When in doubt, hang up and call CU Hawaii directly.