In Hawaiʻi, where we care deeply about our community and our kūpuna, protecting one another doesn’t stop in the physical world — it extends online, too. Phishing scams are one of the most common ways scammers try to steal your personal or financial information. While email spam filters help, cybercriminals are always finding new ways to sneak through.
Here’s how you can stay one step ahead and keep your personal information — and your ʻohana — safe from phishing attacks.
Install trusted security software on your computer and set it to update automatically. These updates ensure your system can recognize and stop new threats. Outdated software can make your computer vulnerable to malware and phishing attempts.
Your smartphone is just as important to secure as your computer. Enable automatic software updates to strengthen your phone’s defenses against the latest cyberattacks. Many phishing scams now arrive through text messages or social media apps, so keeping your phone updated is critical.
Many online accounts allow you to add multi-factor authentication (MFA) — an extra step that helps verify it’s really you trying to log in.
With MFA, you’ll need two or more credentials that fall into these categories:
Something you know – like a password, PIN, or security question.
Something you have – like a verification code sent via text, email, or an authentication app.
Something you are – such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or retina scan.
Even if scammers get your password, MFA can stop them from accessing your accounts.
Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This ensures your important files and photos are safe, even if your device gets hacked, stolen, or infected with malware. Remember to back up your phone data too!
If you get an email or text message asking you to click a link or open an attachment, pause and ask yourself:
Do I recognize the sender or have an account with this company?
If the answer is No, it’s likely a phishing scam. Don’t click anything — just delete it.
If the answer is Yes, don’t use the links or contact details in the message. Instead, reach out directly using the company’s official website or phone number.
Phishing messages often create urgency or fear, but taking a moment to verify can save you from identity theft or financial loss.
If you suspect that you accidentally shared sensitive information — like your Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information — go to IdentityTheft.gov. You’ll find step-by-step guidance tailored to the type of information that was exposed.
If you clicked a suspicious link or downloaded an attachment:
Update your security software.
Run a full scan of your device.
Delete or quarantine anything identified as a threat.
The sooner you act, the more likely you can prevent further damage.
Reporting scams helps authorities stop cybercriminals and protect others in Hawaiʻi from falling victim.
Here’s how you can report phishing attempts:
Email scams: Forward to reportphishing@apwg.org.
Text message scams: Forward the message to SPAM (7726).
General scams: Report directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Every report strengthens our community’s digital safety.
In Hawaiʻi, we look out for each other — and that includes staying alert to online threats. By sharing this information with your friends, family, and kūpuna, you can help protect your community from phishing scams.
Remember: a moment of caution can prevent a lifetime of regret.
Stay informed, stay secure, and help keep our island ʻohana safe.
