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AIBU?

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Original poster

Bank worker has just lectured me on my spending

236 replies

kissfromaroses · 17/09/2026 17:15

I have been saving for a big shopping day for a while now. I’ve realised I hate going out to the shops so have instead done it online.

I transferred the savings into my spending account this morning and through the day have ordered bits and bobs. I tried to order something this afternoon and the card got blocked.

No worries, I call them to clarify.

The worker went far beyond fraud protection, in my eyes. She told me I was irresponsibly spending, I need to be careful as it looks like money laundering, and I’m now a red flag to lenders!

I didn’t ask for any of this. I’ve saved for six months to spend about £1,200. AIBU to consider a complaint?!

OP posts:
shuggles · 17/09/2026 18:50

@kissfromaroses The worker went far beyond fraud protection, in my eyes. She told me I was irresponsibly spending, I need to be careful as it looks like money laundering, and I’m now a red flag to lenders!

I find it somewhat laughable that a bank worker clearly does not know what money laundering is.

Dumbledora8 · 17/09/2026 18:49

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I didn't mention anything about her making the call!

Original poster
kissfromaroses · 17/09/2026 18:48

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I had to call them as my card was blocked for fraud

OP posts:
SueFlay12 · 17/09/2026 18:45

TheWytch · 17/09/2026 17:34

Had you actually been money laundering, this would count as "tipping off" and she would be in no end of trouble herself.

Exactly! This is very true

tommyhoundmum · 17/09/2026 18:45

kissfromaroses · 17/09/2026 17:21

I completely understand that it comes across a bit off - a larger payment into my account than usual and more transactions than usual. Fine.

What I don’t like is being scolded like a child

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Fortunately they will have a recording of the conversation

BEAchDays2 · 17/09/2026 18:44

Did she aye.

Busymorn · 17/09/2026 18:43

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Busymorn · 17/09/2026 18:42

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cornflakecrunchie · 17/09/2026 18:42

@kissfromaroses I had the same, minus the telling off, for buying several unrelated things.
It was in the weeks leading up to Christmas.. #rolls eyes..

Dumbledora8 · 17/09/2026 18:41

So you have put money into your savings account, and then transferred it to your main account when you have been ready to spent it. Bank worker has told you that this looks like money laundering?! She sounds shit at her job tbh. Definitely complain. Sounds like she needs more training. X

Original poster
kissfromaroses · 17/09/2026 18:40

bingobangs · 17/09/2026 18:34

It’s typical MNs that the OP has posters telling her she is lying/exaggerated & asking whether she is actually money laundering!

I might have to start with the cost of basic clothing these days!!!

OP posts:
user427654 · 17/09/2026 18:37

Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 17/09/2026 18:29

Yes I agree. It's typical behaviour when a card has been stolen, loads of smaller purchases building up to a big purchase.

Banks can't win, if they do try to protect their customers they get complaints, if they don't, their customers get scammed and the banks have to refund money out of their own funds.

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But the op is not complaining about the bank stopping the card in case if was being used fraudulently. She's complaining about subsequent treatment.

MissSold · 17/09/2026 18:37

The audacity! It’s your bloody money! Yes, complain.

bingobangs · 17/09/2026 18:34

It’s typical MNs that the OP has posters telling her she is lying/exaggerated & asking whether she is actually money laundering!

bingobangs · 17/09/2026 18:32

JustWalnut · 17/09/2026 18:20

It is a bit odd to have a "shopping day" online when you could have bought stuff online at any point while you'd been saving. So I can see why spending £1200 in one day has raised red flags with the bank.

How on earth is this odd?! 🙄

Sxwer · 17/09/2026 18:31

Make a complaint.
Ask for the recording of the call to be reviewed.
State that you understand their fraud policies are necessary, but you object in the strongest terms to being lectured to about your spending habits by a member of staff.

Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 17/09/2026 18:29

JustWalnut · 17/09/2026 18:20

It is a bit odd to have a "shopping day" online when you could have bought stuff online at any point while you'd been saving. So I can see why spending £1200 in one day has raised red flags with the bank.

Yes I agree. It's typical behaviour when a card has been stolen, loads of smaller purchases building up to a big purchase.

Banks can't win, if they do try to protect their customers they get complaints, if they don't, their customers get scammed and the banks have to refund money out of their own funds.

ThreadGuardDog · 17/09/2026 18:28

DoreenCorkhill · 17/09/2026 18:03

My 86 year old mother was asked what she was spending a substantial amount of money on when withdrawing from her bank account she replied ‘ Dancing boys gin and the rest will go up my nose ‘
She’s a card 🤣

I’m mid sixties and l’m convinced l look mid eighties because l’ve had the same thing when making large bank transfers to pay for home improvements. I’m stealing this response for when l’m next asked !!

Original poster
kissfromaroses · 17/09/2026 18:28

JustWalnut · 17/09/2026 18:20

It is a bit odd to have a "shopping day" online when you could have bought stuff online at any point while you'd been saving. So I can see why spending £1200 in one day has raised red flags with the bank.

I just decided I couldn’t be bothered to go out, and instead got everything I had been saving today. It just happened that I did it online instead of on Saturday?

OP posts:
Busymorn · 17/09/2026 18:27

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OneLilacHedgehog · 17/09/2026 18:27

MyRubyFox · 17/09/2026 18:23

KYC Analyst here. Anti Money Laundering assessment on transactions is my job. No one sensible would think that kind of money is money laundering. Add a couple of zeros and then yes maybe. Absolutely ridiculous!

I would question your expertise. People get paid to money launder a thousand say per month as money mules. It's not uncommon.

MyRubyFox · 17/09/2026 18:23

KYC Analyst here. Anti Money Laundering assessment on transactions is my job. No one sensible would think that kind of money is money laundering. Add a couple of zeros and then yes maybe. Absolutely ridiculous!

JustWalnut · 17/09/2026 18:20

It is a bit odd to have a "shopping day" online when you could have bought stuff online at any point while you'd been saving. So I can see why spending £1200 in one day has raised red flags with the bank.

Original poster
kissfromaroses · 17/09/2026 18:16

Onefairfish · 17/09/2026 18:07

If a member of staff at a bank suspects money laundering they should report it to their Money Laundering Reporting Officer. If they advised someone that they could be suspected of money laundering, that would be the offence of ‘tipping off’, for which the penalties are severe.

This is exactly why I don’t think it was anything to do with money laundering (they suspected someone had stolen my card), but instead just her being a judgy cow!

OP posts:
user427654 · 17/09/2026 18:14

OneLilacHedgehog · 17/09/2026 18:09

I think there is more to this. If OP had large payments into one bank account in another bank, and transfers it to her usual account, and then goes on a spending spree - then yes it looks like money laundering.

And banks only have to suspect money laundering to close your account. They don't need proof.

If OP makes a complaint the worker may get told off for potentially tipping off a customer who is money laundering.

And if your bank account is closed for suspected money laundering, the bank will report you to the police. And you will be investigated

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I understand that, which is why I asked if the two accounts were at the same bank. But realistically, a one-off 1200 spending day is not generally considered a significant red flag without other suspicious activity.