2024 4th Quarter Newsletter

Oct 7, 2024

The hickam difference. We can make it better, together

Hickam Federal Credit Union to Undergo Rebrand

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Hickam Federal Credit Union! In 2025, the credit union will embark on a rebranding journey, including an all-new name and logo.

The credit union, chartered in 1936 as Hawaiian Air Depot Employees Federal Credit Union, was founded to serve the civilian employees of the maintenance depot at the Army Air Corp's Luke Field on Ford Island. In 1940, the credit union relocated to Hickam Field, which was renamed Hickam Air Force Base in 1948. Two years later, the credit union followed suit and changed its name to the one we know today – Hickam Federal Credit Union.

Over the years, Hickam FCU has grown from its humble beginnings of a single branch to now several convenient branch locations and an expanded field of membership that includes all those who live, work, worship, or attend school on the entire island of O’ahu.

Since our island-wide membership expansion in 2011, there has been a common misconception that, based on our namesake, one must be affiliated with the military to join. When out in the community, we often encountered prospective members who never considered joining our credit union based on this perception and were surprised to learn they were, in fact, eligible to join.

The decision to rebrand was not made lightly. For the past year and a half, Hickam FCU has collaborated with local experts who are deeply connected to the community and conducted in-depth focus group interviews with staff, volunteers, members, and community residents. The valuable feedback gained from these key stakeholders has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the rebrand.

With 88 years of rich history, Hickam FCU has remained dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of its members. This rebranding journey underscores the unwavering commitment to the credit union's future and the community. While our name may change, our promise to remain deeply connected to our roots and uphold trust among current and prospective members will never change.

Get ready to be part of this exciting journey! Stay tuned for more details on our rebranding and the official unveiling of our all-new name and logo in early 2025. We can't wait to share this new chapter with you.


International Credit Union Day



Why do hundreds of millions of people worldwide choose credit unions? Because credit unions have a “people-first” philosophy that impels them to constantly improve their communities and the lives of their members. That local service feeds a worldwide network that reaches more than 403 million members across the globe. On Thursday, October 17, 2024, join credit union and financial cooperative members around the globe in celebrating 76 years of International Credit Union Day®.

To celebrate, we are inviting our members to visit any Hickam FCU branch on Thursday, October 17th to receive a free 2025 Pocket Calendar and special treat.*

*Limit one per member while supplies last.


Hickam FCU 88th Annual Meeting

The Hickam FCU 88th Annual Meeting will be held Monday, March 3, 2025. Members will be invited to attend the Annual Meeting at the Pearl City Headquarters. In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, a Membership Appreciation Week will be held online and through our seven branches. Please keep an eye out for the full details in our 1st Quarter 2025 newsletter.

 



Making the Community Better, Together


Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network Champion and HFCU Senior Management Holding a Giant Check


Through the generosity and support of members and staff, Hickam FCU raised $4,500 for the Children's Miracle Network, benefitting the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children. At Hickam FCU, we believe "we can make it better, together". That's why, year after year, the Hickam FCU 'ohana is proud to come together to support such a great organization. To all who donated to this worthwhile cause, mahalo for helping to make a difference in the lives of others.

Educating Youth on Financial Literacy

Group shot of GLOW students and Hickam FCU staff


Recently, students from the Mililani GLOW Homeschool Group visited our Pearl City Headquarters as part of their Adulting 101 curriculum focused on Financial Literacy. During the visit, students aged 13 to 18 learned all about credit unions and the various products and services offered, how to handle their finances responsibly, and what types of careers are available within the financial industry. 

This visit provided an engaging experience to help empower the students with essential money management skills and knowledge to benefit them for a lifetime. 

GLOW student writing on a dry erase board


Upcoming Holiday Schedule


October 14, 2024: CLOSED, Indigenous Peoples’ Day

November 11, 2024: CLOSED, Veterans Day

November 28, 2024: CLOSED, Thanksgiving Day

December 24, 2024: CLOSES at 12:00 p.m., Christmas Eve

December 25, 2024: CLOSED, Christmas Day

December 31, 2024: CLOSES at 12:00 p.m., New Year’s Eve

January 1, 2025: CLOSED, New Year’s Day



Safeguard Your Private & Financial Information This Election Season

With Election Day approaching swiftly, it is no surprise to see an influx of political communications in the digital space. Nonetheless, amidst the push and pull of the 2024 race, scammers continue to seek opportunities to take advantage of the excitement that election season brings. Read on to learn about what to watch for and how to keep your private information secure.

ELECTION SEASON SCAMS

Beware of scammers impersonating political action committees (PACs), political volunteers, or election officials. These scammers employ a variety of tactics to target individuals and steal their personal and financial information. Be cautious of the following:

  • Polls/Surveys: Impersonators may invite individuals to complete a quick poll and offer incentives for participating.
  • Voter Registration or Confirmation: Con artists pretending to be election officials may assert that an individual is not registered to vote or suggest discrepancies regarding one’s registration status. In turn, bad actors may ask targets to divulge personal information under the guise of processing their voter registration.
  • Campaign Donation Solicitation: Fraudsters may send individuals spoofed links or pretend to be affiliated with special causes or official organizations to get targets to send funds or reveal private information.

HOW SCAMMERS REACH TARGETS

  • Phone Calls
    • Scammers may use phone number spoofing to change their CallerID and pretend to be a legitimate entity.
    • Callers may use intimidation or aggression to pressure victims into revealing personal or financial information.
    • Fraudsters may also use artificial intelligence (AI) to alter their voice and impersonate politicians or election officials.
  • Text Messages
    • Criminals may include bogus links that lead to fake websites and prompt message recipients to share personal information.
    • Scammers may be looking to confirm whether a phone number is active by encouraging recipients to simply reply. For instance, they may encourage responses to a poll or instruct recipients to text “STOP” to “opt-out”.
  • Email
    • Suspicious emails may originate from unfamiliar or fake email addresses disguised as legitimate senders.
    • May contain spelling and grammatical errors.
    • Much like text-based scams, emails may include malicious links.

PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

  • Ignore messages and incoming calls from unknown numbers and email addresses. Persistent and/or suspicious contacts can also be blocked and reported.
  • Avoid clicking/tapping unsolicited links.
  • Do not disclose personal or financial information to unknown solicitors.
  • To verify your voter registration status, submit a political donation, or validate other election details, go directly to government sources.