Washington Trust educates families on fraud prevention and identity theft
November 05, 2026
WESTERLY, R.I. — The Washington Trust Company (Washington Trust) recently participated in United Way of Rhode Island’s “Strong Families Financial Empowerment Series,” a seven-week financial education program designed to help Rhode Island families develop practical money management skills and work toward their financial goals.
The free program, offered through United Way’s Empowerment Center, covered topics including budgeting and saving, banking basics, credit building, smart spending, family financial planning, financial goal setting, and building long-term financial stability.
Washington Trust hosted the final session on Nov. 3, with Jared B. Wilbur, senior vice president of enterprise risk management, leading a seminar on fraud prevention and identity theft. Enercida Abad De La Cruz, assistant branch manager of Washington Trust’s Olneyville branch in Providence, provided Spanish translation for participants. The session covered common scams and warning signs, ways to protect personal and financial information, and what to do if fraud occurs.
Participants learned to be wary of requests for gift card or cryptocurrency payments, demands for passwords or one-time passcodes, and pressure to act quickly. They were also encouraged to monitor financial accounts and credit reports, safeguard personal information and contact their bank immediately if they suspect fraud or identity theft.
“Fraud and identity theft can have serious financial consequences, and knowing the warning signs can help people better protect themselves and their families,” said Washington Trust Chairman and CEO Ned Handy. “We were pleased to be part of the Strong Families program and share practical information participants can use to recognize scams and protect their personal and financial information.”
The Strong Families Financial Empowerment Series brought parents and children together for financial education while families worked toward their individual financial goals. The program also included financial coaching.
“When families have the resources and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, they are better positioned to build stability and plan for the future,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of RI. “That's what our Strong Families Financial Empowerment Series is all about. We're grateful to Washington Trust for sharing its expertise with families and helping them better understand how to safeguard their financial well-being.”
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON TRUST® COMPANY
Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of New England’s premier financial services companies. In 2025, Washington Trust reached a milestone of 225 years in operation, marking its commitment to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. Washington Trust is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a publicly-owned holding company which trades on NASDAQ: WASH. For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.washtrust.com or the Corporation's website at ir.washtrust.com.