We have received reports of unsolicited fraudulent phone calls and texts that appear to come from a Hawaii National Bank phone number and claim to be from HNB's Fraud Department. We do not call or text customers to validate account and/or card numbers, and you should never provide login security codes or other sensitive information such as SSN, password, or PIN over the phone or through text message. If you receive a suspicious call, please hang up immediately and report the incident to us at (808) 528-7800.
Scam Resource Center
How to Spot Common Scams
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people out of their money and personal information. The good news is that most scams follow familiar patterns once you know what to look for.
Be alert
Fraud can happen at anytime and to anyone.
Business Owners
One of the most damaging fraud schemes facing businesses today is Business Email Compromise, often called BEC. It targets companies of every size, from sole proprietors to large organizations, and losses can be substantial. The scam relies less on technology and more on deception, which is why awareness is the strongest defense.
Seniors
Our kupuna are treasured members of our community, and unfortunately, they are also among the most frequently targeted by fraudsters. Criminals know that seniors often have established savings, strong trust in institutions, and a willingness to help others - qualities that scammers exploit without conscience.
General Public
From Phishing to complex AI impersonation, fraud can affect anyone at anytime. Stay ahead of fraudsters by educating yourself on common scam scenarios. Review the scenarios below to familiarize yourself to identify potential scams.
Placing a Fraud Alert
If you believe you're a victim of identity theft, or even suspect you might be at risk, taking quick action can make all the difference. One of the simplest and most powerful steps you can take is placing a fraud alert on your credit file. It's free, fast, and the protection it offers could be priceless.
How to Place a Fraud Alert
You only need to contact one of the three major credit-reporting agencies. By law, the agency you contact is required to notify the other two, but it's always a good idea to confirm that all three alerts are in place.
Equifax — 1-800-685-1111, equifax.com Experian — 1-888-397-3742, experian.com TransUnion — 1-888-909-8872, transunion.com
When you call, let them know you may be a victim of identity theft and would like to place a fraud alert on your credit file. Be sure to provide current contact information, such as your phone number and email, so they can reach you if needed.
What Happens Next
Your fraud alert will stay active for one year and can be renewed.
You're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three agencies during that time. Review them carefully for unfamiliar accounts, unexpected credit applications, or changes to your personal information.
Report any suspicious activity right away so it can be addressed quickly.
If you'd like longer-term protection, you can request an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years. This requires filing an official identity theft report at identitytheft.gov or with your local police department.
Reminder
We've received recent reports of fraudulent calls claiming to be from HNB's Fraud Department. Hawaii National Bank will never ask you to verify your identity, move money, or share sensitive information through an unexpected call, text, video chat, or email, no matter how real it sounds or looks. If something feels off, please call us directly at (808) 528-7800.
Table of Contents
Learn more about Common Scams So You Can Spot Them
Phishing (Email Scams)
Fake emails designed to look like they come from a trusted company, asking you to click a link, open an attachment, or share login details. Real banks, including HNB, will never ask you to confirm sensitive information through an email link.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a common scam that affects many businesses today. A criminal compromises or convincingly impersonates a trusted email account, often one belonging to an executive, vendor, attorney, or accounting team member. Then they send urgent, believable instructions to move money, change payment details, or share sensitive data. The request typically looks routine, which is exactly why it works. Train your team regularly to keep your business protected and limit who can authorize payments in the business.
Smishing (Text Message Scams)
Phishing's mobile cousin. You receive a text claiming there's a problem with your account, a package delivery, or a payment. The link leads to a fake login page or a malware download. When in doubt, delete it.
Vishing (Voice Call Scams)
A caller pretends to be from your bank, the IRS, law enforcement, or tech support. They often use urgency or fear to pressure you. If a call feels suspicious, hang up and call the company back using a number you trust.
Quishing (QR Code Scams)
A newer scam where criminals place fake QR codes on flyers, parking meters, restaurant tables, or even mailed letters. Scanning the code takes you to a fraudulent website. Only scan QR codes from sources you know and trust.
Romance Scams
Fraudsters build online relationships through dating apps or social media, sometimes over weeks or months, before asking for money for an "emergency," a plane ticket, or an investment opportunity. If you've never met someone in person, never send them money.
Investment Scams
Promises of guaranteed returns, "exclusive" opportunities, or pressure to act fast on cryptocurrency, precious metals, or foreign exchange. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
Cryptocurrency Scams
Fraudsters use cryptocurrency because transactions are fast, hard to trace, and nearly impossible to reverse. Common variations include fake investment platforms promising big returns, "pig butchering" scams that build trust over weeks before pushing a fake crypto opportunity, romance scams that pivot to crypto investing, and impersonators (banks, government agencies, or tech support) instructing you to move funds into a Bitcoin ATM "for your protection." If anyone asks you to pay, invest, or "protect" your money through cryptocurrency, stop and verify before acting. HNB will never ask you to move money into a cryptocurrency wallet or ATM.
Tech-Support Scams
A pop-up, call, or email claims your computer is infected and offers to "fix" it for a fee or remote access. Legitimate tech companies do not contact you out of the blue. Hang up and close the window.
Employment Scams
Fake job offers that require you to deposit a check, buy gift cards, or share personal information before you start. A real employer will never ask you to send money to begin work.
Lottery and Prize Scams
"Congratulations, you've won!" Except you didn't enter. To claim the prize, you're asked to pay fees or taxes upfront. Legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to receive winnings.
AI Voice Cloning Scams
A caller uses artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of a loved one in distress, asking for emergency money. For example, you may receive a call from a loved one in trouble asking for money right away, or a call from someone who appears to be the CEO, attorney, or vendor for your business asking you to wire funds or share credentials. If you receive a call like this, hang up and verify by calling the person directly on a number you know.
P2P Payment Scams
Scammers pose as your bank's fraud department and instruct you to "send money to yourself" through a peer-to-peer payment service to "reverse" a fraudulent charge. The money goes straight to the scammer. HNB will never ask you to send money to yourself or anyone else to resolve a fraud claim.