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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it’s nobody’s business what I do with my money?

235 replies

ToffeePennee · 08/02/2022 21:29

I went in to my bank to withdraw a large amount of cash. I explained to the cashier what I wanted to do and she proceeded to ask some security questions - all fine.

One of the questions was what I wanted the cash for so I said I was having building work done. She then started saying that I should pay by bank transfer, it was tax avoidance etc. etc. When I insisted I still wanted to withdraw the money, she sighed and rolled her eyes and I felt really judged and like I’d done something wrong.

I’m glad now that I didn’t admit the real reason is in case the banking system collapses and it’s now stuffed under my mattress.

Please tell me I’m not wrong to think she had no right to judge me and if she did, she should have been professional and not passed comment?

OP posts:
Eeiliethya · 08/02/2022 21:55

This happened to me. I withdrew a chunk of cash as I was buying a car.

The bank lady asked me all the same questions as you, except when I told her I was buying a car she says along the lines of "do be careful dear, are you taking somebody along with you like your dad?"

Im 30 years old 😂😂.

I didn't take offence, the lady looked quite old and I took it in the spirit it was intended.

I did in fact take my father to purchase the car and live up to her expectations. 🤦🏼‍♀️. He's an engine mechanic.

thedarkling · 08/02/2022 21:55

They have a safeguarding obligation - and if they don't do it properly they might be liable if you decide to withdraw a load of cash and give it to a dodgy builder or a new online partner. Really odd that people would lie just for the sake of it to create more work for the bank, who are just trying to protect you.

Igmum · 08/02/2022 21:55

They do this to be helpful. I had a lovely chat with a cashier at my local branch when taking out cash to pay the roofer. They also helped an elderly and confused friend who got scammed. I like this personal touch and hope it stays

caranations · 08/02/2022 21:56

If the transaction was for many thousands then there are also money laundering considerations as well as the possibility of their customers being scammed. The cashier didn't decide for herself to ask you probing questions, she was following instructions from on high.

WonderfulYou · 08/02/2022 21:58

It's safeguarding. Too many people fall prey to scams so they are trying to help prevent that.

Exactly.
Their job is to look after your money and help you with anything related to it, which includes giving advice and preventing you loosing your money.

Wheresmywoolyjumpers · 08/02/2022 21:59

They have to ask. They dont have to judge or roll their eyes.

Luredbyapomegranate · 08/02/2022 22:01

I think it’s all standard, including the warning about tax dodging. If someone told me they were withdrawing a large wedge of cash to pay builders that’s what I’d assume they were doing - and 9 times out of 10 that would be right. It’s just a reminder.

SquirrelG · 08/02/2022 22:01

There is nothing wrong with asking the question - it is the sighing and rolling of her eyes which would annoy me, as someone who has worked in customer service for over 40 years! Highly unprofessional.

00100001 · 08/02/2022 22:02

They have to ask, because so many people are scammed.

They often have people withdrawing cash, and handing it over to someone, and for that person to do a runner, the customer then returns to the bank and says someone stole their money etc.

So they're doing it to protect the customer. They can't magic the money back, bit by asking questions, they might be able to stop you handing over £5000 to some Dodgy Fucker

Davros · 08/02/2022 22:05

@Mum2jenny

I still think that keeping money under floorboards is an option, but most ppl do not agree! Just ensure the notes are current!
The notes don't have to be current, they are legal tender for ever. Not in shops but you can change them in banks. They might decide it's dodgy if you turn up with wads of old notes though
prsphne · 08/02/2022 22:05

In my job (not a bank cashier), I have an obligation to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion under the corporate criminal offence regulations.

It wouldn’t surprise me if banks had similar legal requirements and so had to the fullest extent possible prevent the facilitation of tax evasion (eg by flagging where this may be the case to unsuspecting customers).

Youngatheart00 · 08/02/2022 22:06

Is your comment about keeping it under the mattress because you’re worried about the banking system serious, or is it is actually for building works?

The former - LOL, no chance and remember the financial services compensation scheme. What’s made you worried?!

The latter - paying in cash usually identifies tax evasion somewhere, whether it’s you or the tradesman.

Banks have a regulatory responsibility to prevent tax evasion and fraud. It’s not a choice.

If you were scammed you’d ask your bank for the money back, right? It’s not a bottomless pit, banks have to check these things

ButtockUp · 08/02/2022 22:10

If I was the cashier when you asked, I'd have rolled my eyes too.

Benjispruce5 · 08/02/2022 22:20

What info do you have e on an imminent banking crash??? Have I missed something?

LadyLolaRuben · 08/02/2022 22:21

Whilst appreciating the reason for the bank asking questions, cash is legal tender and we are entitled to spend it as we wish. Enjoy your spending OP

Itsalmostanaccessory · 08/02/2022 22:22

@ButtockUp

If I was the cashier when you asked, I'd have rolled my eyes too.
You would have rolled your eyes at someone asking to withdraw money?
FrankieBoyleSezLoveOneAnother · 08/02/2022 22:23

Ohhhhhkay.

SoManyTshirts · 08/02/2022 22:24

Rumour had it that a local business owner kept all their savings under her mattress. Shop caught fire and it was all gone.

RosesAndHellebores · 08/02/2022 22:25

I understand about the scams and why they ask but have once or twice been a little surprised at the way they ask. And the flurry of small talk that often follows.

Zolla · 08/02/2022 22:27

I think you are probably reading too much into the cashiers reaction because you think she’s judging your actual intentions with your money.

Also, you have full protection up to £85k in any UK bank. Please god tell me you haven’t got that much under your bloody floorboards?! 😩

amysaurus87 · 08/02/2022 22:28

Its safeguarding to make sure you're not being scammed.

Onlyforcake · 08/02/2022 22:30

So they can tick the box to say they didn't think you were being pressured into it, so that you stood there long enough for cctv, to alarm you a little into using cash less.

VanGoghsDog · 08/02/2022 22:30

@Player001

It's safeguarding. Too many people fall prey to scams so they are trying to help prevent that.
Yes, it's exactly this.
Haffiana · 08/02/2022 22:31

@prsphne

In my job (not a bank cashier), I have an obligation to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion under the corporate criminal offence regulations.

It wouldn’t surprise me if banks had similar legal requirements and so had to the fullest extent possible prevent the facilitation of tax evasion (eg by flagging where this may be the case to unsuspecting customers).

Hmm. Can you quote the legislation that requires bank tellers to act on behalf of HMRC to 'prevent the facilitation of tax evasion'? Or for that matter where the customers having had it 'flagged' to them, are also now deputized to prevent tax evasion?
AutomaticMoon · 08/02/2022 22:32

YANBU. I was in the process of purchasing my first property and read about bank accounts being blocked for long times due to big amounts (or small in some cases) of money going into the account. So I kept the money for the purchase out of the banks, wise.com and I could pay directly to the seller into their bank account without me needing one. I was born in an authoritarian regime and am highly allergic to this kind of stuff.