Hawaii’s Partnership Against Fraud Formed to Fight Financial Scams

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Bankers Association (HBA) today announced a coalition named Hawaii’s Partnership Against Fraud (HPAF), led by the HBA to generate greater awareness about the threats of financial scams. HPAF brings together community resources dedicated to protecting local citizens, especially the elderly, from the many scams perpetrated in the community. As over 80% of the victims of financial scams are over the age of 60, the coalition is specifically geared towards this age group.

The coalition partners include:

• AARP Hawaii
• Better Business Bureau of Hawaii
• City and County of Honolulu, Elderly Affairs Division
• City and County of Honolulu, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney
• Hawaii Association of Broadcasters
• Hawaii Bankers Association
• Hawaii Credit Union League
• Olelo Community Media
• Olomana Loomis ISC
• Radio KZOO
• Hawaii State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Division of Financial Institutions
• Hawaii State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Office of the Securities Commissioner
• Hawaii State Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging
• Hawaii State Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention & Justice Assistance Division
• Hawaii State Department of Human Services, Adult Protective & Community Services Branch
• Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General
• University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Cooperative Extension Service

The campaign kicked off in early July with media advertising on television and radio, funded by the HBA. The advertising, running statewide, will continue through the end of the year. The advertising poses various fraud scenarios and asks the question: “Is This For Real?”

The coalition is also available to make presentations to community groups to discuss prevailing fraud schemes, and tips to protect consumers. Brochures and other printed materials will be available from participating coalition partners. Participating banks will also be distributing educational materials to its customers.  To request a presentation, call Diane at the State of Hawaii Executive Office on Aging at (808) 382-1904.

Members of the public with questions about the legitimacy of offers or who feel they have been victimized may contact the Better Business Bureau at (808) 628-3950 or (888) 333-1593 (for neighbor island calls). For more information regarding HPAF, visit https://www.bbb.org/hawaii/hawaii-partnership-against-fraud.

Since 1961, the Hawaii Bankers Association (HBA) has brought together all FDIC-insured depository institutions doing business in Hawaii, including banks, thrifts and a financial services company. The HBA represents its members by advocating for Hawaii’s economic vitality and sustainability through collaboration with legislators, regulators and the community. Its members have $44 billion in total assets and employ 7,000 people. For more information about the HBA, visit https://hawaiiba.org/.

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