Updated: April 15, 2024

Unfortunately, fraudsters are attempting to trick consumers into sharing confidential information in recently reported phone/texting scams. The fraudsters seem to be impersonating several local financial institutions. If you receive a call OR text claiming to be a UHFCU representative (or other financial institution) claiming suspected fraud on your credit card, online access expiration, or a similar type of “emergency,” do not answer or return the call/text.  Instead, contact your financial institution directly using its standard phone number or e-mail.

Most Importantly… Do NOT provide any personal information, such as your SSN, mother’s maiden name, Online Banking credentials, etc. to anyone who may contact you purporting to be from your financial institution.

How a phone call may start

In one example, you might receive a phone call with the caller pretending to be with your bank or credit union (for example, the University of Hawaii Federal Credit Union). The caller is likely using a “spoofed” phone number, so the incoming number looks like it’s coming from the institution.

The scammer may also provide a fake call back number. Do NOT call the number they give you. UHFCU’s phone number is (808) 983-5500.

How a text message may start

You might receive a text message from a number similar to your Financial Institution’s phone number from someone pretending to be an employee with a message such as:

“FRM: UHFCU
MSG: Your online access expire today. As of 11/25 you’ve pending direct deposit on hold. To rectify and keep details visit : shady-url.com“

In addition to a fraudulent website/URL, the scammer may also provide a fake call back number. Do NOT click the link or call the number they give you. UHFCU’s phone number is (808) 983-5500. Call directly instead.

How to identify major red flags of a scam

It’s not always easy to identify a phone call as a scam. Successful scammers are persuasive and will use many tools to appear legitimate. But when it comes time to gain the information that they need from you, there are some common major warning signs.

  • The caller calls from or leaves a suspicious call back number.
    UHFCU’s phone number is (808) 983-5500. Never redial from the incoming call or use any other number provided by the caller.
  • The caller asks for your card PIN.
    Never provide your PIN to anyone—verbally or with your phone keypad. There is no valid reason that a caller will ever request your card PIN.
  • The caller asks you to provide your Online Banking ID or password.
  • The caller asks you to provide your card or CVV number.
  • The caller asks you to provide social security information.

Approach incoming calls with caution

Even if you think you will never fall for a scam, always be protective with information that you provide to an incoming caller. UHFCU will never initiate contact with you by phone, e-mail, text, or through social media outlets to ask for your personal or financial information.

One simple step you can take to protect yourself is to hang up and call us back at a number you know and trust—such as the phone number provided on the back of your Debit or Credit Card or on your account statement. Do not redial from the incoming call or use any other number provided by the caller.

Set up Online & Mobile Banking alerts

You should always be cautious and review your accounts on a regular basis.  With that being said, it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of real-time account alerts within Online Banking and Mobile Banking. That way, you’ll be notified of any activity on your accounts quickly.

In addition, if you are not logging in to Online or Mobile Banking but receive a verification code, someone else could be attempting to access your account. In this event, please contact us right away.

Also, the best way we can serve you is by having your current e-mail and mobile phone number in case we need to get a hold of you.

Contact us with any questions or concerns

If you have any questions about this information, we encourage you to speak with a UHFCU representative to learn more. If you suspect that you may have given information to a possible scammer, it is important to contact us so we can take measures to help you protect your information and account.

 

Leaving Our Website

Attention! You are now leaving the University of Hawaii Federal Credit Union website. The University of Hawaii Federal Credit Union (UHFCU) does not control the security or privacy practices used at the following website. Periodically, UHFCU's website may include information from third parties and/or links to other websites. UHFCU does not make any warranties, express or implied, regarding any third party information or links to alternate websites. In addition, UHFCU assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the content provided by third parties. If you click "CONTINUE", an external website will be opened in a new browser window. If you click "CANCEL", you will be returned to the UHFCU website.


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