Lets suppose that I look at somebody’s bank statement and see a deposit of $1000.00. Does the bank have any records that would let me figure out the source of the deposit? Is there any way to figure it out (without asking the person)?
Thanks!!
If the depositor walked in with 10 $100 bills, I think the answer would be no.
In that case, the deposit ticket would show $1000 in cash, no?
In any event, I’m more interested in figuring out who wrote a check that was deposited . . .
I would assume if you come bearing a court order, you may have better luck.
If you just go and ask as a guy off the street, the answer will be no.
Yes, funds can be (easily) traced - but not by (at least legally) the general public.
I no longer remember the exact format/contents of the FRB’s ACH transaction, but it does include both “from” and “to” account info (T/R and acct. numbers). It also contains date/time stamps, transaction codes (cash, wire, cc, various gov’t funds) country of origin - lots of info - this is how the various govt agencies detect tax fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, etc.
Those wishing cites are free to google “Federal Reserve Bank” and “Account Clearing House”.
Related Q: Are “Bearer Bonds” still extant?
Just to clarify my question, let me explain that I am an attorney involved in a matter in court and can probably get subpoenas issued if necessary.
So at this point I’m more concerned about figuring out what records I need and what institution has them.
Would the person’s own bank have any records? Or would the Federal Reserve Bank be the place to go?
The bank has all the information. You would subpoena the bank.
I take it you are not in your element of law here. You should contact the bank directly and ask them what papers you need to file. The should have the routing number and all of that information as it is entered into the bank’s records.
To be honest I’m a bit surprised that a lawyer would be asking such a question…
But yes, legally you need a subpoena. And if you find out where the money came from through almost any other means (aside from asking the person) the evidence will be inadmissable in court.
If the deposit was made in any other way but cash, the bank should have the originating information in its records and be able to supply it in response to a subpoena.
If the deposit was made in cash with a deposit slip, the only valid assumption is that the account owner made the deposit. A bank is not required to record, verify or report source information on cash deposits under $10,000.00. Banks are required to verify that a person making a deposit to an account is the owner (or an authorized representative) of that account (which is why you need your PIN number for all ATM transactions, not just withdrawals). (There’s a whole different set of rules for cash transactions of $10,000.00 and over.)
That’s very helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read, understand, and respond to my question!!
Time and date stamp of the deposit, what teller posted the transaction, and the security cameras for that day would get you some lovely pix of the depositor maybe even full motion video.
Except if you used the quick deposit box.
In which case the transaction would bear a type=cash, currancy=(whatever),date/time=when the clerk/teller entered the transaction. From account info would (IIRC) id the branch at which the deposit was made.
Assuming the video is kept long enough. Transactions are kept at least 7 years, but I have no idea how long surveillance video is kept.