Bank cashiers do you know the reason for this shocking question?

[Lasvegas]

I have just paid a cheque into my barclays bank account. The cashier asked me How did you come by this money!! I was stunned and replied it is none of your business. I am paying a cheque in my name into my bank account where the money came from is immaterial. She said that banking rules are such that they have to ask people that question. I said what a stupid rule, I could tell you anything and how can you verify it? Anyone know about this banking rule? I am tempted to complain to the branch manager.

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i used to be a branch manager. we have to ascertain where large amounts have originated from, usually over £5k. whether they are paid in over the counter, through an ATM or received through BACS, CHAPS or any other way. the branch receives a report daily which has to be 'actioned' by 10am. that was at my bank anyway. part of this is to satisfy the requirements of preventing money laundering, and of course to meet sales targets.

If you pay in through a machine they phone you up to ask you.

We had a large amount transferred into our account when our house sale went through in the gap between buying our new house and got asked about the money.

I also had this asked & screwed my face up at the cashier and said "Excuse Me" I'm paying my money into my account and its got sod all to do with you! She did go rather red and cahed it in anyay, bloody cheek.

so the idea is that the cashier will ask the terrorist and he will 'fess up on the spot and see the error of his ways? bollocks!

As if doing this is going to stop anything - all it will do is cause loads of hassle for customers.