NatWest holding my cash to ransom

Stevie_Palimo

I have often gone into one of my banks and withdrawn amounts that may be considered large at a moments notice and always face the question of why do you need this money of which I normally joke as say here its for drugs and prostitutes, Some take this with pinch of salt and others frown upon my answer.

I can see why it is done and also want to say that people who complain about being asked this would be also be the first to kick up such a fuss should they ever have the account plundered that they hold with the bank, Long and short of it is if you do not like the questions then withdraw all your money and have it in cash at home instead.

GingerBob_3

Stevie_Palimo wrote: »

I have often gone into one of my banks and withdrawn amounts that may be considered large at a moments notice and always face the question of why do you need this money of which I normally joke as say here its for drugs and prostitutes, Some take this with pinch of salt and others frown upon my answer.

I can see why it is done and also want to say that people who complain about being asked this would be also be the first to kick up such a fuss should they ever have the account plundered that they hold with the bank, Long and short of it is if you do not like the questions then withdraw all your money and have it in cash at home instead.

Jobsworths.


A completely different issue.


I'm sure the real criminals do just that.

Goldiegirl

Stevie_Palimo wrote: »

I have often gone into one of my banks and withdrawn amounts that may be considered large at a moments notice and always face the question of why do you need this money of which I normally joke as say here its for drugs and prostitutes, Some take this with pinch of salt and others frown upon my answer.

.

Or there's the third way of dealing with a customer making a 'joke'

I'd just not react at all, and write the answer 'drugs and prostitutes' on the withdrawal form, and carry on with the transaction.

Cashiers have heard the jokes a million times before, and it wears thin after a while. Also, as drugs are illegal, a careful cashier has to protect themselves, and consider whether they need to report the 'joke' to the MLRO. It's not being a jobsworth - failure to report a suspicion is an offence. I'd probably put in the report, but would also mention that I thought the customer was probably joking. These reporting forms are long and involved, so it's not something I'd want to do, as frankly it's a pain in the backside.

But, I have to admit, it is sometimes fun to wrong foot the customer - when you take 'jokes' with a straight face, they get a bit panicky!:rotfl:

But really, it's just easier for everyone to just give a straight answer.

alanq

Even when withdrawing from a savings account by cheque payable to myself I am often asked what I plan to do with the money. This just seems to be an attempt to sell to me and nothing to do with AML.

If it was a requirement for AML then an answer would also be required when giving instructions by post / online.

patanne

If I thought their question would prevent my account from being 'plundered' then I would be more than happy to comply. However that is not what they are designed to do.

Stevie_Palimo

Goldiegirl wrote: »

Or there's the third way of dealing with a customer making a 'joke'

I'd just not react at all, and write the answer 'drugs and prostitutes' on the withdrawal form, and carry on with the transaction.

There's no form they complete manually anyway and never see them add notes to an account on any withdrawal.


Cashiers have heard the jokes a million times before, and it wears thin after a while. Also, as drugs are illegal, a careful cashier has to protect themselves, and consider whether they need to report the 'joke' to the MLRO. It's not being a jobsworth - failure to report a suspicion is an offence. I'd probably put in the report, but would also mention that I thought the customer was probably joking. These reporting forms are long and involved, so it's not something I'd want to do, as frankly it's a pain in the backside.

Maybe but some or more straight laced than others
But, I have to admit, it is sometimes fun to wrong foot the customer - when you take 'jokes' with a straight face, they get a bit panicky!:rotfl:


But really, it's just easier for everyone to just give a straight answer.

I only draw money out when I need and believe that as long as show the correct ID then what I want it for is my own business to

Goldiegirl

There's no form they complete manually anyway and never see them add notes to an account on any withdrawal.

But you don't know what happens after you've left the branch

duchy

patanne wrote: »

If I thought their question would prevent my account from being 'plundered' then I would be more than happy to comply. However that is not what they are designed to do.

You've completely misunderstood what money laundering is if you think it has anything to do with plundering your account.

As for complaining to the cashier - again that's just as stupid as it isn't the bank's choice to follow the regulations. They didn't make the regulations. If you feel the need to complain it'd make sense to complain to the banking regulatory authorities and also to your MP rather than taking it out on the cashier who has no choice but to ask or risk losing their job.

patanne

Sorry I should have quoted post #122 that I was replying to who said this info WOULD stop the account being plundered, when obviously it won't.

POPPYOSCAR

Just been through this again today.


Did several transfers into one account last week and did a large transfer out of said account today.


I was asked where the money came from that was transferred into the account last week.


Surely the bank should know where it came from!!


I just said to her do not worry there is a paper trail it has all come from savings accounts.


I just think it is all a huge waste of time and just ticking boxes regardless.