An Extra Layer of Protection for Life’s Unplanned Moments
Most people think about account security in terms of passwords, alerts, and fraud monitoring. A Trusted Contact supports those protections by helping your bank reach someone you trust if concerns arise and you cannot be reached directly.
This option is voluntary, easy to add, and designed to protect your financial well-being during unexpected situations. A Trusted Contact does not manage your account, move funds, or see balances. Their role is limited, focused, and centered on keeping you safe.
What a Trusted Contact Is
A Trusted Contact is a person you authorize your bank to reach out to if there are concerns related to:
- Unusual or suspicious account activity
- Possible fraud or financial exploitation
- Difficulty reaching you through normal communication methods
- Concerns about your well-being
- Urgent or emergency situations
The Trusted Contact serves as a point of connection. Their involvement helps your bank confirm information or reconnect with you when time or circumstances make direct communication difficult.
Adding a Trusted Contact is optional, and you remain in full control at all times.
What a Trusted Contact Is Not
A Trusted Contact has no authority over your accounts. This distinction matters and protects your privacy.
A Trusted Contact:
- Cannot make withdrawals or transfers
- Cannot manage or control your accounts
- Cannot access balances or detailed account information
- Is not an account owner
- Is not a power of attorney
If a Trusted Contact reaches out to your bank on their own, account information is not shared. Their role exists only when we initiate contact under specific circumstances.
Why Trusted Contacts Matter
Adding a Trusted Contact helps protect customers in moments when fraud, confusion, or outside pressure may be involved.
This designation:
- Supports faster response when suspicious activity appears
- Helps reduce the risk of financial exploitation or scams
- Allows your bank to act when customers cannot be reached
- Reflects a proactive approach to customer safety and care
Trusted Contacts offer peace of mind without changing how you manage your finances day to day.
When a Trusted Contact May Be Needed
A Trusted Contact may be used when:
- Your bank cannot reach you after multiple attempts
- Account activity does not align with your typical behavior
- Mail is returned and contact information needs confirmation
- A situation suggests fraud, exploitation, or urgent concern
- Health or travel issues limit your ability to respond
Your bank always attempts to contact you first. A Trusted Contact is used only when direct communication is unsuccessful or concern remains.
Who Should Be a Trusted Contact
A Trusted Contact should be someone you trust to act in your best interest.
Common choices include:
- An adult child
- A close friend
- A trusted professional advisor
Trusted Contacts must be at least 18 years old. They should not be minors, strangers, or individuals you do not fully trust. They do not need legal authority over your accounts, and many customers prefer choosing someone separate from powers of attorney or joint owners.
You may designate more than one Trusted Contact, though at least one is recommended.
Adding a Trusted Contact at Your Financial Institution
The process for adding a Trusted Contact may vary by bank, in most cases, you will be asked to:
- Provide basic contact information for the person you wish to designate
- Sign an authorization form confirming your choice
Once added, the designation typically applies at the customer level rather than to individual accounts.
Your Trusted Contact information can be reviewed and updated any time.
How to Change or Revoke a Trusted Contact
You remain in control of your Trusted Contact designation.
- Changes can be made at any time by completing a new form
- New designations replace older ones
- Revocation is handled by completing the revocation section of the form
This flexibility allows your Trusted Contact information to stay current as life changes.
How Trusted Contact Information Is Used
Trusted Contacts are contacted only when needed and only by authorized Central Bank personnel.
- Your bank reaches out to account owners first
- Trusted Contacts are contacted if the customer cannot be reached or concerns persist
- Information shared is limited to addressing the situation at hand
- Trusted Contacts cannot request or receive ongoing account details
This approach balances privacy, protection, and responsiveness.
A Simple Step Toward Greater Peace of Mind
Life brings unexpected moments. A Trusted Contact helps prepare for those moments without changing how you bank or who controls your money.
If you would like added protection on your accounts, speak with our team about designating or updating a Trusted Contact. It’s a small step that can make a meaningful difference when it matters most.
