Trusted Contacts
Trusted Contacts
Keep your accounts safe with the help of a friend.
Protect your bank accounts by adding a Trusted Contact—a family member or close friend of your choosing who could be contacted if there are concerns about your well-being or any suspected financial abuse.
Trusted Contacts serve as an extra safeguard in case there’s any unusual activity on your account or we’re unable to reach you. They don’t have access to your bank account, and they’re not able to make transactions.
To add a Trusted Contact to your account, speak with your local banker.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Trusted Contact is someone you authorize your financial institution to contact if there are concerns about your well-being or signs of financial exploitation. This person cannot make transactions or decisions on your behalf.
Adding a Trusted Contact helps protect your account. If there’s ever a concern about suspicious activity or your ability to manage your finances, we can reach out to your Trusted Contact to help ensure your safety.
You can designate anyone who is 18 years or older. Choose someone you trust—like a close friend or family member—who is reliable and can help if there’s ever a concern about your account or well-being. It’s recommended to choose someone who is not already authorized to transact on your account.
No. A Trusted Contact is not a beneficiary, agent, or power of attorney. They cannot view your account, make transactions, or act on your behalf. They are only contacted in limited situations to help protect you.
We may reach out to your Trusted Contact if we suspect financial exploitation, have concerns about your mental or physical well-being, or are unable to reach you after repeated attempts.
Unusual Account Activity
A client who typically makes small, routine transactions suddenly initiates a large wire transfer to an unfamiliar recipient. The transaction is flagged as inconsistent with their usual behavior. A representative contacts the Trusted Contact to help determine whether the transaction is legitimate or if the client may be at risk of fraud.
Repeated Confusion or Memory Issues
During multiple interactions, a client repeatedly forgets recent conversations or asks the same questions about their account. A representative grows concerned about possible cognitive decline and reaches out to the Trusted Contact to discuss potential support options or next steps.
Inability to Reach the Client
A client who is usually responsive suddenly becomes unreachable for an extended period, and all attempts to contact them go unanswered. Out of concern for the client’s well-being, the bank contacts the Trusted Contact to check on their status and ensure they are safe.
Third-Party Influence
A client is accompanied by a new individual who insists on being involved in financial decisions, even though they are not listed on the account. The client appears hesitant or unsure. The representative escalates the concern and contacts the Trusted Contact to verify whether the client is acting under pressure or undue influence.
A client who typically makes small, routine transactions suddenly initiates a large wire transfer to an unfamiliar recipient. The transaction is flagged as inconsistent with their usual behavior. A representative contacts the Trusted Contact to help determine whether the transaction is legitimate or if the client may be at risk of fraud.
Repeated Confusion or Memory Issues
During multiple interactions, a client repeatedly forgets recent conversations or asks the same questions about their account. A representative grows concerned about possible cognitive decline and reaches out to the Trusted Contact to discuss potential support options or next steps.
Inability to Reach the Client
A client who is usually responsive suddenly becomes unreachable for an extended period, and all attempts to contact them go unanswered. Out of concern for the client’s well-being, the bank contacts the Trusted Contact to check on their status and ensure they are safe.
Third-Party Influence
A client is accompanied by a new individual who insists on being involved in financial decisions, even though they are not listed on the account. The client appears hesitant or unsure. The representative escalates the concern and contacts the Trusted Contact to verify whether the client is acting under pressure or undue influence.
You can add a Trusted Contact by speaking with a representative at your local branch.
Fraud Prevention Strategies
Even with safeguards like Trusted Contacts in place, fraud is still a prevalent threat. Protect your and your loved one’s finances with these tips:
Common Scams to Watch For
Fraud Prevention Strategies for You and Your Family
Tips for Financial Caregivers
Common Scams to Watch For
Fraud Prevention Strategies for You and Your Family
Tips for Financial Caregivers
Card Controls
Protect your debit card with Card Controls—available within your online and mobile banking account. It offers security features like travel notices and spending limits, along with several new options to manage your money:
- Understand your spending clearly with spending insights, recurring payment information, ‘card-on-file’ merchant identification, and more.
- Get real-time transaction alerts so you know exactly when and where your card is being used.
- View a digital card on a mobile device and easily push it to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Mastercard® ID Theft Protection
As you shop with your debit card, you can rest assured that you’re protected. Your United Community Mastercard® debit card comes with Mastercard® ID Theft Protection3, free of charge, which includes:
- Identity Monitoring
- Financial Account Takeover Protection
- Resolution Services
- Lost Wallet Assistance
- Single-Bureau Credit Monitoring
