Access to your accounts anywhere, anytime
An additional layer of protection to help keep your Patelco accounts safe. Learn more below.
A Trusted Contact is someone you designate that Patelco can communicate with when you go offline and can’t be reached — whether it’s due to a health matter, natural disaster or traveling with limited cell reception. A Trusted Contact is also someone Patelco can reach out to if we suspect you might have fallen victim to a scam — or if we suspect financial exploitation or have other concerns about your welfare. Think of a Trusted Contact as an account enhancement that helps Patelco keep your account safe.
A Trusted Contact is a trusted friend or family member who can:
While you are not required to have a Trusted Contact, establishing one may help us move decisively if we ever need to address suspected fraudulent activity. You may already have a power of attorney1 or spouse listed on your account, but a Trusted Contact provides an additional resource to reach out to if an issue arises.
It’s important to note that Trusted Contacts are unable to act on your behalf, conduct transactions, or engage in account activity (unless they’re already an authorized party on your account such as a joint owner or Trustee).
You can visit a local branch, make an appointment online or call us at 800.358.8228 and we can set it up for you
Fill out this form and mail it to:
Patelco Credit Union PO Box 2227 Merced, CA 95344
Within online banking or the Mobile App, go to Accounts, select Joints, Beneficiaries & Contacts, and then Trusted Contacts
Likely to be in the best position to know your current personal and family situation
Help protect assets, and respond to suspected financial exploitation
Identify your legal guardian, trustee or power of attorney
If concerns arise, they can confirm your health status
Help Patelco connect with you if we are unable to reach you
Providing you with support and resources when you need it the most
No. A Trusted Contact cannot authorize transactions on your behalf, make decisions on your behalf or be given detailed account information, such as balances or transaction history
In most cases, anybody who’s at least 18 years old can be a Trusted Contact, but we suggest designating a person who isn’t already authorized to conduct business or receive information on your behalf. Trusted Contacts are usually family members or close friends — people you trust and who are likely to be in the best position to know your current situation — as opposed to your investment advisor, trustee, or someone with power of attorney.
At Patelco, you can designate up to two. Trusted Contacts are often applied to your entire relationship with your financial institution, so you don’t have to worry about naming individual contacts for each account.
Full Name, Address, Phone Number, Date of Birth, Email Address and Relationship to Member(s).
No. Patelco will not discuss any matters pertaining to a member unless we have specific concerns and initiate contact with a Trusted Contact.
The role of a Trusted Contact can include responsibilities such as acting as an emergency contact if a health issue arises, helping Patelco connect with a member we’re unable to reach, and to be a resource if suspected fraud or unauthorized account activity is suspected by Patelco.
If an emergency, such as a health crisis or suspected incapacity of the member arises, Patelco may contact you for guidance. If we need to connect with a member, but can’t reach them, we may contact you for assistance in reaching them. We may also contact you if we have any suspicions of unauthorized activity on the account.
If you have concerns about your role as a Trusted Contact, it’s best to consult with the member about your concerns.
Things often happen when we least expect them. Don’t wait, establish a Trusted Contact for your Patelco account today.
Fraudsters are always coming up with new ways to try and trick you into giving up personal information. Learn how to protect yourself from scams, identify red flags, and what to do if you or your loved ones are victims of fraud.
People over 60 are common targets for exploitation. Learn how to spot elder fraud, the most common scams, and where to find help if you’re a victim.
Don’t be fooled by a scammer. Look for these warning signs to identify a possible scam and protect yourself!
Are you a victim of fraud, identity theft, or a scam?
1 If you wish, you may designate the same person to be a Trusted Contact and to have power of attorney – but you must complete separate processes and forms for each
