Central Pacific Bank Warning of Phishing Scam

Central Pacific Bank is warning its customers to be on the lookout for fraudulent text or voice messages that seek to obtain confidential financial information.

CPB said the messages ask the customer to call a phone number supposedly to provide information to the bank’s “security department.”

“DO NOT respond to this fraudulent request or provide any personal information,” the bank says on its website.

CPB noted that it never requests customer information in such a manner. It said if information has already been provided, customers should call CPB’s Customer Service Center at 544-0500 (Oahu) or (800) 342-8422 (neighbor islands) immediately, as their account may be compromised.

Big Island police previously warned of such phishing scams in May when bogus emails were being sent claiming that the recipient’s account had experienced suspicious online activity.

At that time police said they have seen a variety of these official-looking email messages claiming to be from different banks.

As CPB noted, police said legitimate banks do not ask for personal information over the phone or through the internet.