Learn more about our Trusted Contact Program

The Trusted Contact Program allows members to designate a person whom Western New York Federal Credit Union may contact if we are concerned that you are experiencing fraud, a health crisis, or another emergency that affects your financial affairs.

You should choose someone you trust who is reliable and has your best interests at heart. You can choose a family member, friend, attorney, or someone else. Adding a Trusted Contact to your account is easy! Visit the Credit Union, and any teller can assist you.

When will Western New York Federal Credit Union contact my Trusted Contact Person?
1.) Western New York Federal Credit Union may (but is not required to) contact your Trusted Contact Person under the following circumstances: Western New York Federal Credit Union has questions or concerns about your health (capacity and well-being, etc.), your welfare (endangerment, self-neglect, etc.), or possible financial exploitation or fraud.

2.) Western New York Federal Credit Union needs to confirm your contact information.

3.) Western New York Federal Credit Union needs to confirm the identity of a new individual or entity that has been given legal authority to act for you (for example, an agent to whom you have given power of attorney, a successor trustee of a trust for which you are trustee, or a court-appointed guardian, conservator, or executor).

Because you can designate multiple trusted contacts, it is recommended that you establish a “primary” contact for the credit union to contact first, before other named trusted contacts, and/or if the primary is unavailable or involved in a suspicious situation.

What information will Western New York Federal Credit Union provide to my Trusted Contact Person?
If any of the above circumstances occur, Western New York Federal Credit Union may contact and provide information about you and your account(s) to your Trusted Contact Person. Your Trusted Contact CANNOT view your Account or make any transactions or decisions about the account unless they have some other legal authority (such as guardianship or POA). We recommend choosing someone other than a guardian, trustee, executory, or POA as your Trusted Contact.

Do I have to designate a Trusted Contact Person?
Authorizing a Trusted Contact Person is optional. However, given the increase in fraud and financial exploitation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, NCUA, and other regulatory agencies have recommended that credit unions offer a Trusted Contact program to help prevent fraud and protect consumers. Most consumers support the concept of a Trusted Contact Person. Ultimately, however, it is your decision whether or not to appoint a Trusted Contact Person.

What if I change my mind or want to change my Trusted Contact Person?
You can always revoke your decision to have a Trusted Contact Person. You can also change your Trusted Contact Person at any time by filling out a new form, which will replace and supersede any previous form.

If you have additional questions, contact us at 716-771-5000.