HFS Federal Credit Union Security Center

For over 80 years, HFS Federal Credit Union has been Hawaii’s trusted financial partner, dedicated to one simple goal: putting our members first. By focusing on what matters most to you, we’ve earned recognition as Forbes’ “Best Credit Union in Hawaii” and built a thriving community of more than 50,000 members across the Big Island.

Protecting what matters most to you is at the heart of everything we do. Along with our trusted banking services, we safeguard your financial well-being through NCUA insurance and SSL encryption, giving you peace of mind that your information and finances are safe and secure.

The Fraud Bustaz – Keeping Our Members Safe

At HFS FCU, we’ve created the Fraud Bustaz – a fraud prevention initiative dedicated to keeping you protected by staying ahead of the latest scams and threats.

We believe fraud prevention works best when we all look out for each other. That’s why we take an ‘ohana-style approach, fostering a community where members learn together, share insights, and support one another. As the Fraud Bustaz, we lead this effort by staying on top of the latest scams, educating our community, and responding quickly to protect what’s yours. Because when it comes to your security, we’re all in this together.

Advanced Digital Security Features

From two-step verification to fingerprint authorization and Face ID, we’ve implemented advanced security features designed to keep you safe.

When you log in to our online banking portal, we’ll send you a unique code to enter before you can access your account. This extra layer of protection makes it much harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access – even if your password is compromised. It’s our way of ensuring that only you can view your account information.

You can also log in to the HFS mobile app quickly and securely using fingerprint authorization or Face ID. While we work hard to make both online and mobile banking safe, our mobile app offers even stronger protection against unauthorized access and malware, thanks to these advanced authentication features.

Real-Time Fraud Detection & Alerts

At HFS FCU, we take a proactive approach to fraud detection. When we spot a suspicious transaction on your account – like a purchase made in a different state or country – our Fraud Detection System will alert you right away about possible fraudulent activity. This gives you the chance to act quickly if something unusual is happening.

You can customize your alerts within online banking to choose how often you’d like to hear from us about your account activity. You can also select how you receive these alerts – by text, email, or automated phone call – so you never miss important fraud warnings.

Comprehensive Identity Theft Protection

If your account is ever compromised, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’ll immediately secure your accounts and issue new credit and debit cards. We also offer credit monitoring services to all members, so you can stay on top of your credit report and quickly address any changes you didn’t make.

We encourage you to regularly review your account activity and credit reports – it’s one of the best ways to catch and resolve suspicious activity quickly.

If you’re alerted to fraudulent activity, acting fast is key. Here are the important contact numbers to report fraud based on your card type:

• Debit Card Transactions: 1-866-652-7214
• Visa Platinum^® Credit Card Transactions: 1-866-604-8153
• Visa Signature^® Credit Card Transactions: 1-866-604-8139

Scam Prevention Education for Hawaii Residents

Scammers find new ways to steal your information every year. By recognizing possible fraud, staying vigilant, and safeguarding your information, you can reduce your risk of being targeted. Some of the most common scams we see include vacation rental scams, romance scams targeted military families, seasonal scams (during tourist season, tax season, and the holidays), Mobile Deposit check scams, and Bill Pay scams.

As part of our community-based approach to fighting fraud, we keep our members informed about these common scams and any new trends as they emerge. You can stay up to date on the latest tactics by following our security center updates and fraud prevention articles.

Member Security Tools & Controls

At HFS FCU, we believe in giving you the tools to keep your accounts safe. We recommend using the HFS Cards App, a mobile app that puts you in control of when and how your credit and debit cards are used. You can set up alerts, manage spending limits, and instantly turn your cards on or off if they’re lost or misplaced.

We also encourage you to set up banking alerts within HFS FCU online banking. Customizing these alerts helps you spot unusual activity quickly and take action before fraud happens.

Keep in mind that transactions made outside your usual location are often flagged as suspicious. If you’re planning to travel, let us know your destination and dates so we can keep your cards working smoothly while you’re away.

If you have any questions or need assistance, call the number on the back of your card at 1-855-251-1788.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

Even with strong security measures in place, fraud can still happen. If your account has been affected by fraud, visit any HFS FCU branch or contact us right away for help. Keep a detailed record of any fraudulent activity – it will be important as we work together to resolve the issue.

In some cases, we may connect you with the local police department or a state agency for further investigation. Having any relevant documents or information on hand will help us address the situation as quickly as possible.

Rest assured, if your account has been affected by fraud, we’ll be right there with you every step of the way to make things right, so you can bank with confidence again.

Security Best Practices for Island Living

Living in Hawaii comes with unique security challenges. Here are some best practices to help keep your banking information safe:

• Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi. Networks at airports, hotels, and tourist sites are often unencrypted, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. When you need to check your account on the go, use your mobile data instead.
• Protect your mail from theft. Remote addresses with less foot traffic can be targets for mail theft. Consider installing a secure, locked mailbox, signing up for USPS Informed Delivery to track what’s coming, or holding your mail when you’re away.
• Safeguard important documents. Digitize and back up key financial documents, and store hard copies in a fireproof and waterproof box. This helps protect what matters most in the event of a natural disaster.

Stay Informed: Latest Security & Fraud Prevention Articles

The best way to beat fraud is to stay informed about the latest trends and trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right. Here are some helpful resources to keep you protected:

• Tips to Protect Against Bank Fraud
• Fraud Scams to Avoid
• Money Mule Fraud: How to Recognize and Avoid These Scams

Scammers are getting better at disguising their schemes as legitimate offers and promotions, which is why staying informed is one of your best defenses. Check out our fraud prevention articles regularly to learn about emerging threats and how to protect yourself. You’ll find helpful tips and the latest updates right here on our website.

Take Control of Your Financial Security Today

Your security is our priority. We encourage you to explore the protection tools available to you – they’re easy to set up and designed t give you peace of mind. Contact us today for more information or if you need assistance.