Does a bank assistant really need to know my employment status when requesting a postal bank statement ?

[Lardlizard]

So been in the bank this morning to request a postal statement as I want it for ID

Anyway she asked me if I’m still a homemaker?
I said well I’m doing voluntary work for a charity now but just keep it on there as homemaker incase of any changes

Then when she selected he time period to print off, so could obviously see my bank details, said oh you’ve got a lot of money for a home maker

Which was a bit cheeky and nosey

But really I can’t see why she asked what my employment status is just to post me a statement

Of course I could understand her asking that if I was apply for a mortgage or something

So much for all the arguments about this being a targeted columbo style investigation as called upon by regulations, carried out by a highly trained professional.

WTF that good has been done in OTHER situations is irrelevant to the OPs situation.

Still no responses about the potential harm that could have been done TO the OP by announcing her wealth in public.

I dont' know that many people (male or female) that I would describe as "bitchy" no, and I don't tend to use that word as it's sexist.

I've also worked in financial services for 20+ years (different sector, not customer facing) and have only once come across a situation where colleagues have behaved in a way approaching what you are talking about.

I'm genuinely shocked. Laughing at people with crippling bank charges is disgusting.

I am amazed at the way those seeking to defend their profession are totally demolishing it.

Yes.

You can often hear what is said in conversation at the counter. It is not private.

Anyone could have heard. You find that funny.

There's a theme here isn't there.

They are required to check that they have your up to date kyc info, it is part of the money laundering regulations and helps to understand activity on an account which they are required to monitor and make reasonable enquiries where activity is out of profile. To do this they need to understand your profile.

Your ex profession then.

Your first post

"Industry standard KYC and AML checks. Nothing unusual about them at all. Nothing ‘nosey’. Susan begins the counter doesn’t personally give a shit what you earn Sharon".

You said that to Xenia. No idea why you called her "Sharon".

Hands in most of the banks where I am, it is easy to hear and see what people are saying, if you care to.

Yes I have been in bank branches and queued and made transactions.

I see you have had a post withdrawn. Why did you do that? There was no personal info.

maddening do you see the statement

"oooh you've got a lot of money for a homemaker" as a reasonable and necessary one to make under money laundering regs?

Interesting you called her "Sharon" why that choice.

You have not covered yourself in glory here and have really, I imagine, made a lot of posters have a much reduced trust in, and view of, the people who work in their banks. Which is an awful thing to do. I'm sure most of them are v nice and professional. But laughing at those with crippling bank charges? Wow.

Ps the comment about the amount of money that you have was unprofessional Imo. If she had concerns or suspicions about the source of funds or source of wealth then she should have raised a SAR to the financial crime team who would be more skilled in reviewing your account and making sure that they are content that the level of funds is not outside of your wealth profile. They are able to make reasonable enquiries to satisfy themselves that it is genuine but must do so without tipping you off that they are doing so (as tipping off is a crime for which the individuals can be prosecuted), if they are still suspicious they are legally obliged to report a SAR to the national crime agency.

No I wouldn't as I don't laugh at people who are in crippling financial situations, decide that women who work in banks are "bitchy" and "sneering" for no apparent reason, refer to other posters as "Sharon" (I'm thinking we all know what that's about) and etc.

This thread has been awful and bizarre. Some real insights though.

X post menu, no I don't believe that to be professional or appropriate at all, my first reply was to the title question.

You see maddening is saying the sort of things I imagined would be the reponses.

You said that you knew people who laughed at people with crippling bank charges when you worked in that role. You automatically assumed the cashier was being bitchy and sneering based on your experience.

No I don't think I would do very well working in that environment.

Fair enough maddening.

Handsoff I haven't said it was you :/

You clearly said it was people you worked with.

There I have said it again for avoidance of doubt.

Why don't you go out you are getting wound up.