Security Alerts
New Smishing Scam
The latest round of fraudulent text messages reads: ncmoqm@messaging.sprintpcs.com// YourHonoluluCredit UnionDebitCardHasBeenLimited.ToReactivateCall:(202)--------. Please do not respond to this message. It is an attempt to obtain your personal information for criminal purposes. (11/18/2009)
New Smishing Scam
Text messages are going out to people asking them to call 1-323-908-4680 because their card has been restricted. This number connects to an automated system which attemts to obtain the caller's card number and PIN. Please do not respond. This is an attempt to obtain your personal information for criminal purposes. (06/26/2009)
Email Scams
The latest e-mail scam reads:
"There has been some unusual activity on your account. For your protection, we need to verify your details." The message includes a telephone number which connects to an automated audio response system that asks for your credit card number.
Please do not respond. This is yet another attempt to fraudulently obtain your information. (06/01/2009)
Text Message Scams
Recently, there has been an increase in text message scams directed at Honolulu Police Federal Credit Union members. Some of the fraudulent text messages include:
- MSG: HONOLULU FCU Unusual Activity - Call us at 1-(888)814-5706
- CU HAWAII ALERT. Unusual Activity - Call Now at 1(888)776-8718
- CU Hawaii FCU has suspended your 423802 debit card. Please contact us immediately at (866)374-3763
- Your federal credit union debit card has been deactivated. To reactivate, please call 1-888-636-9476
Please do not respond to these messages. These are attempts to capture your personal account information for criminal purposes. The credit union will not ask for your personal information in this manner. (06/01/2009)
Land Line Phone Scam
Another unscrupulous scheme to fraudulently obtain your personal information has been reported. Credit union members on Oahu have been receiving suspicious land line phone call messages. The automated audio message says, "This is the Honolulu Federal Credit Union, your debit card has been compromised, if you want to reactivate, press 1 now..."
To help safeguard you personal information, please remember the following:
- The credit union will never request confidential account information over the telephone.
- The credit union will never ask for confidential information through email or text messages.
- To avoid being re-directed to a fraudulent website, never click on a link in a suspicious email. Always confirm and verify the url address of the site you are accessing.
- Always verify that the phone number indicated in any message is your credit union's phione number.
- Always monitor your account activity, and call the credit union if you should fall victim to this kind of fraud. (02/06/2009)
Smishing Alert
Some credit union members recently received fraudulent text messages which read, "Honolulu Police Employees FCU has suspended your account pending verifications. Contact us now at..." Do not respond to this message. It is an attempt to to steal your personal identification information. Please advise the credit union if you should receive this type of message. (02/06/2009)
Smishing Alert
Please be aware that credit union members have received text messages on their cell phones requesting them to immediately call a telephone number regarding a "recently restricted account". Please do not call the number displayed in the message. This is an attempt to fraudulently obtain your personal information for criminal purposes. Should you receive this type of message, please contact the credit union immediately. (01/30/2009)
VISA Alert
VISA U.S.A. has notified us that a security breach has occurred at a payment processor which handles card transactions. As a result of this breach, the confidentiality of some members' VISA card numbers may be at risk. It is important to know that this event has affected other financial institutions and that there has been no internal breach of data at Honolulu Police FCU.
The credit union and our card provider are closely monitoring this situation to discover specific cards which may have been compromised by this breach. We will notify you immediately if we discover that your card has been compromised. The compromised card will be blocked and a replacement card will be re-issued.
In additon, you can help to prevent fraudulent use of your card by doing the following:
- Always know where your card is. Should you misplace it, contact us immediately so we can block the card from unauthorized use.
- Never write your PIN on the card or carry the written PIN with you.
- Register your card with "Verified by VISA" to prevent unauthorized use of your card number for online purchases.
- Monitor your account activity and monthly statements for any fraudulent transactions. Notify the credit union of any fraudulent transactions immediately. After hours, please call 1(800) 854-1557.
If you should have any questions or concerns regarding your VISA credit/debit card, please contact us. (01/23/2009)
Smishing Alert
Please be advised that Honolulu Police Federal Credit Union members have been receiving fraudulent text messages on their cell phones warning that their account has been locked due to suspicious activity. The text message instructs members to call a fictitious phone number to verify and reactivate the account. Beware: This is an attempt to fraudulently obtain your personal account information. If you should encounter this situation, contact the credit union immediately.
Phishing Alert
Phishing is a technique that uses fraudulent e-mail or phone messages that appear to come from legitimate businesses for purposes of identity theft. These messages are designed to fool recipients into divulging personal data such as account numbers and passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers. Credit union members have been the target of dedicated phishing scams. Be on the alert and report any suspicious e-mail or phone activity to the appropriate authorities. Remember, the Honolulu Police Federal Credit Union will never request or verify account information by e-mail or in a phone call or phone message.
Tips To Avoid Being the Victim Of Phishing
- Be suspicious of any e-mail or phone messages with urgent requests for personal financial information.
- Phishers typically include upsetting, but false, statements in their e-mails and phone calls.
- Phishers typically ask for user names, passwords, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers.
- Phisher's messages are typically not personalized.
- NEVER use the links in an e-mail message to get to a web page you suspect might not be authentic.
- Avoid filling out forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal financial information.
- ONLY communicate information via a secure website or the telephone (when you originate the call).
by the NCUA.