# I withdrew $ 4,000 and my bank wants to know why **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 29, 2026, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002 "2026-07-29T15:05:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/21 "2026-07-29T16:40:07Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > > [@Jasmine](#): > > > > That offended you?! You should be thankful they give a damn because it is HIGHLY unusual, especially considering the fact that you could have created a check for that amount or, perhaps, done a wire transfer. > > > > Also, it’s much easier for them to duck the IRS when doing a cash transaction like that. > > Do you actually read threads before replying just to the OP? I should explain my comment further. The OP after getting two good explanations immediately apologized and is no longer angry. This happened in like the fourth post. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/22 "2026-07-29T17:01:22Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > Are citizens no longer allowed to keep cash on hand? Unrelated to the bank transaction, you’ve touched on an interesting issue here. If law enforcement were to stop you while traveling with a large amount of cash, they may seize it and then require you to prove it has a legitimate source. It’s called civil forfeiture, and there are lots of examples of people being stopped with a large sum of money, and then having it confiscated despite the fact that they themselves haven’t committed any crime. (I represented a guy who had this happen to him as he was traveling through the airport) So, to some extent, the answer to the question is “No, not without a paper trail explaining where they got it from.” ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/23 "2026-07-29T17:03:25Z")
I read the OP and responded to that. I’m at work and sometimes can’t read them all. If he’s upset with me, I’ll be happy to apologize to him directly. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/24 "2026-07-29T17:03:27Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > So many people (especially older people) come into the bank to withdraw a wad 'o cash because some scammer convinced them to do that then give the money to the scammer so their grandson can get out of jail or the IRS will lay off them or whatever. Another fraud I’ve heard of is claiming that they’re from the bank or from the FBI. They need you to remove the money to expose criminal activity at the bank. Not sure why they need to keep it, but I remember that there was a reason given. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/25 "2026-07-29T17:06:49Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > considering the fact that you could have created a check for that amount or, perhaps, done a wire transfer. A friend of mine used to work in a liquor store with a Western Union counter and had to regularly grill people on suspicious transfers for the same reason. I’ve also heard of it happening in retail locations when someone is buying a small ransom in gift cards. While I assume the good bank people don’t want you to get scammed, they also don’t want you returning once you realized you were scammed and demanding or begging the bank (or Western Union) to get their money back. Better to try to cut that off before it happens. It arguably IS somewhat “their business” because they regularly have to deal with the customer fallout from these scams. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/26 "2026-07-29T17:10:19Z")
Excellent point. There is an “it’s everyone elses fault but mine” attitude that pervades much of our society, so a CYA methodology is certainly warranted. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/27 "2026-07-29T17:15:12Z")
> [@Scoobysnax](#): > > After having the balance stolen on several before we could spend them, we have stopped buying gift cards all together. People can take a stack of unused cards, remove the scratch off portion, record the numbers, apply a new coating, and put them back in the stores. Once they get activated they can spend the money. Unfortunately, neither the police nor the businesses seem interested in going after a lost $50-100. Now that’s a wrinkle I had not heard of before. The bastards are clever, I’ll give them that. Now that we’re griping about gift cards, my only gift card gripe was 3-4 years ago when I tried to buy a gift card for Kohl’s (midmarket US chain department / housewares store) at the customer service counter at a Kohl’s store near me. And they would not sell it to me. Not paid for by a CC and not paid for by cash. Oh well, niece got a very nice gift to another store instead. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/28 "2026-07-29T17:15:22Z")
I see it simply as good customer service. Not a reflection on society. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/29 "2026-07-29T17:16:04Z")
As someone already touched on, sometimes the scam is that they need your help investigating the bank. You will be handsomely rewarded for helping them prosecute the fraud. The money you withdraw will be turned over to us as evidence and you will get 10X that amount when the prosecution happens. The tellers are in on it so you can’t tell them why you are withdrawing the money. If they ask, just say that it’s to pay someone to install a new fence around your property. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/30 "2026-07-29T17:16:30Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > > [@Jasmine](#): > > > > That offended you?! … … > > Do you actually read threads before replying just to the OP?  Are you new here? 😀 ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/31 "2026-07-29T17:23:06Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I have to disagree with some of this. If I’m showing them a photo ID for a withdrawal, that’s enough. What it’s for is none of their business They don’t care what it _is_ for, they care what it _isn’t_ for. When I had to pay my fence guys cash, I needed more than the ATM would let me withdraw, so I went inside the credit union to get an override. They asked what it was for, and I told them to pay cash to my handyman, not to buy gift cards to send to scammers. That’s all they wanted to know. Be very grateful that if someday you or your wife lose your marbles, they’ll ask a basic question that’ll save your retirement fund. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/32 "2026-07-29T17:26:16Z")
What would they do if you flippantly responded, “My drug dealer doesn’t take Zelle.”? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/33 "2026-07-29T17:26:39Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > I needed more than the ATM would let me withdraw, so I went inside the credit union to get an override. You got an override for your ATM withdraw instead of getting the cash from the teller you were already interacting with? Or am I misunderstanding? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/34 "2026-07-29T17:29:31Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > What would they do if you flippantly responded, “My drug dealer doesn’t take Zelle.”? Hopefully not care. The guy who mails me shroom capsules takes Venmo anyway. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/35 "2026-07-29T17:32:41Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > What would they do if you flippantly responded, “My drug dealer doesn’t take Zelle.”? See **needscoffee** ’s answer above. They only care what it isn’t for (a dubious no doubt scam) ---
**Author:** ![abcdefghij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/43a26b/32.png) [@abcdefghij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abcdefghij)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/36 "2026-07-29T17:51:40Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > Not sure why they need to keep it, but I remember that there was a reason given. Dusting for prints ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/37 "2026-07-29T18:36:25Z")
If you’re in a mood to be at once disgusted and encouraged, there are videos of store employees recognizing scams and stopping them. One I remember in particular was an older woman who plonked down several dozen gift cards at Dollar General or wherever and wanted to put several hundred dollars on each of them. The cashier realized that a scam was afoot and did as she was trained, and asked her what she needed them for. The poor woman _would **not** _ be convinced that she was being scammed and kept insisting that the cashier fill the order. The cashier called in an actual cop and he, too, had a godawful time convincing the woman that she did not, in fact, need to buy $4800 in Google Play cards or go to jail for missing jury duty. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/38 "2026-07-29T18:56:24Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > No doubt this is a requirement related to drug trafficking or other nefarious pursuits. It may well be a Bank requirement but not a Federal Law- per se. However, I know that sometimes after an audit, the Regulators Require a bank to do that? > [@Dorjan](#): > > What are they going to do, say “well SanVito, in that case no, you can’t have your money”? Clearly not, the most they can do is warn you that what you are about to do is a bad idea. Correct. > [@LSLGuy](#): > > It’s anti-fraud. And protecting you, not the bank. Right. It is a good idea that they ask that. > [@ricepad](#): > > If you were in your 20s or 30s, she may not have batted an eye, but those that are more _experienced at life_ tend to be subjects of financial scams like this. True. Most scammers and con-men work on Senior citizens. > [@Moriarty](#): > > If law enforcement were to stop you while traveling with a large amount of cash, they may seize it and then require you to prove it has a legitimate source. Generally you have to have at least $5000 for the authorities to be able to seize it (there are exceptions, like if someone is arrested at the same time with a craptonne of drugs, etc). In California, if the amount is under $40000 there are many more hurdles for the Authorities to pass to keep the money. > **[California Poised to Pass Momentous Civil Asset Forfeiture Reforms - ACLU of...](https://www.aclu-sdic.org/news/california-poised-pass-momentous-civil-asset-forfeiture-reforms/)** > > SACRAMENTO—A California bill to limit civil asset forfeiture abuses was approved today by the State Assembly on a 66 to 8 vote. The bill will now return to the Senate for a concurrence vote. Senate Bill 443, co-authored by Senator Holly Mitchell... > Under federal cases, state and local law enforcement may only receive an equitable share of forfeited property if there is an underlying conviction, or the property is $40,000 or more in cash. Cash under $40,000, vehicles, boats, homes, and other types of personal property will require a conviction regardless of the value; > Under state cases, cash under $40,000 may be forfeited if there is an underlying conviction, increasing the cash value threshold from the current $25,000. Boats, vehicles, and homes will still require a conviction regardless of value. But the Civil Forfeitures laws can and have been abused. They need the CA version at least. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/39 "2026-07-29T18:57:07Z")
That scam has been around so long it was the very first one demonstrated in this anti-scam film from 1970: [On Guard: Bunco!](https://archive.org/details/OnGuardBunco1970) It’s depressing that these scams have been going on so long that the people who were young when the first anti-scam PSAs came out are getting to be old enough to be the target of these scams now. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002/40 "2026-07-29T18:59:47Z")
I overheard a lengthy/slightly drunken conversation about this very topic. It went on and on, but in the end they did actually reach consensus! The agreed upon answer is always, ‘A boat!’ apparently. The reasoning was, anyone can buy a boat, from lots of places, second hand, from the paper, your neighbour, lots of kinds of boats, could be located anywhere, could be any price. The advocate for this position insisted, they never had a follow up question. Probably for the reasons above. It was both an amusing and educational conversation to overhear. I have used it since, and the teller didn’t blink, end of inquiry. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002.md?page=3)