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Thread: really weird call from bank lady

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    Default really weird call from bank lady

    Ok so I just got a call from my bank in Denver where I went to when I danced there last summer. This really "nice" lady said she saw that I have more than $15,000 in my account and she wanted to give me some "nice upgrades" and would appreciate it if I came in. I told her I lived in NY now so I cant do that, but I could go to my local branch here. She said I couldn't do that because I have to go to my original branch, so she would just call my parents and have them come in and do it for me. HOLD UP.....so yeah my parents don't have a clue how much money I have saved, and wont for that matter. I said, I would be home in a few weeks (lie) so I could come in then. So she said she would call back May 15 and remind me. Then she started asking all these questions about my parents, lilke if they are retired, what they do, and "are you sure you dont want them to help you?" So heres my question: why, after like a year of not banking there, would they just call me at random like that for upgrades on my account? Does she have the right to disclose my aqccount information to anyone else w/o my permission, even if it is my parents? What should I tell her when she calls back? Should I change banks?

  2. #2
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    She has no right to disclose that info to your parents. If she does, you can sue.

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    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    That is an odd call. I have had that plus in my account and have never had a call like that! I almost started thinking identity theft. I hope you didn't say to much to her. Do you have caller ID? Did the phone read as a bank (this isn't really a secure way because you can use a computer to give the wrong call ID.)

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    it just showed up as a regular 303 number it came out of NOWHERE, the phone hung up at first when I answered, so I called the number back said the whole "I received a call from this number thing" and then she started asking questions.

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    Featured Member Vamp's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    If you haven't made a transaction on the account in some time it is normal procedure to call customers. One you have a large amount in the account that you are not using. They are trying to keep a good customer. Two if you dont use the account in more than year it goes into a dormant account status and it starts accessing a fee. After so many years (depending on the institution) the money will then be turned over to the state.

    Banks are becoming more proactive in keeping their accounts. Are your parents on your account as well? If not then your parents really can't conduct any buisness on the account. If they are that is why she brought that up.

    Chances are it was just a sales call. We are trained to "profile" customers for their needs. Asking alot of questions to find the product we can pitch to them. She was probably looking for information on your parents to sell things to them if they can came in for your account.
    The one thing they dont teach is tact.

    My suggestion is to the wire the money to a local branch. If they aren't willing to go the extra mile with you over the phone it isnt worth the bother keeping it there. There are many alternatives and you could get a higher interest rate for the money just sitting there.

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Vamp, would you advise her to call the main number for that bank and ask them if that was a valid call?

    Tara86, if you do not know exactly who called you, never give out any information. Get their extension number and name and then call the main branch number and ask to speak with the person who called you.

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    Featured Member Vamp's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    I agree with Venus.

    By all means call the main branch or if she told you what branch she is from call that one. Watch how the phone is answered and who by. Buisness do not answer the phone with a simple hello. Many con artists forget this. If there is an answering machine call the main branch to verify the call. Always report to a manager if a bank representive treats you in a manner you feel is disrespectful. It is the only way it will stop.

    If she had all this information about you before she called once again chances are it was a legitimate call. If she asked for more information ie card numbers, checking account numbers, social security numbers be more cautious.

    Recently though we had a situation with a customer who owned a time share. He got a call from a man that had his information and gave him an offer of some sort on his time share at a lower price. The man gave his credit card number. Turned out the man that called him used to work for his time share and was fired. He stole all the files and was scamming customers. We straightened it out for him.

    So whenever you are called never give out addictional information and just call back the main number you normally call.

    There was something else I noticed in your post. Do they have branches of the exact same bank in new york? If so she just wanted you to come into the orginal branch so she could get her commision.

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    Featured Member lunchbox's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Quote Originally Posted by Deogol
    That is an odd call. I have had that plus in my account and have never had a call like that! I almost started thinking identity theft. I hope you didn't say to much to her. Do you have caller ID? Did the phone read as a bank (this isn't really a secure way because you can use a computer to give the wrong call ID.)
    fwiw, caller ID can easily be spoofed, and any id thief is going to know and use that.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    I would withdraw all the money from your account but about $200, just as a safety precaution.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    ^^ doing so will guarantee that a 'cash transaction report' is generated and sent to the IRS

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Then she can take out $9000 today and $5800 in a few days. I just don't trust leaving large amounts of money in the bank, especially when it is earned in cash.The call sounds suspicious.

    Why would they mention calling your parents? Is this an account your parents opened for you as a minor? Are your parents authorized signers on the account? If not they would not be able to access it.

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    Featured Member Vamp's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Wiring money does not generate a CRT report. It is not a cash transaction.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    My friend got a call from her bank when she got a balance over $10k but they were just asking her if she wanted to move it to a different type of account with higher interest. I certainly think the call you received sounds odd.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Do your parents have some kind of role in this account (backstopping overdrafts, or maybe they were co-signers on the account when you opened it)? If so, this would be perfectly natural. Otherwise it's kind of weird but maybe they also opened their account at that branch or something and the bank has their stuff on file and it's cross-referenced to you.

    It's hard to believe it's identity theft given how focused the person seemed to be on your parents and whether they could take your place--from your description it doesn't seem like the kind of questions a thief would need to ask.

    I often carry significant balances in my checking account and DO regularly get calls from my bank's private banking department, so I don't think it's weird that you got the call.
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Deogol
    That is an odd call. I have had that plus in my account and have never had a call like that! I almost started thinking identity theft. I hope you didn't say to much to her. Do you have caller ID? Did the phone read as a bank (this isn't really a secure way because you can use a computer to give the wrong call ID.)


    Quote Originally Posted by lunchbox
    fwiw, caller ID can easily be spoofed, and any id thief is going to know and use that.
    Actually an identity thief will know how to use a computer to give the wrong number on caller ID.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    This is probably an example of excessive marketing gone really bad. Employees are under so much pressure to perform under their performance management pay plans, that they are more likely (if employed in a decision making post) to shave cornors or do unethical behavior to keep their numbers up."

    The first thing to do when "bank people" call you is to realize they are out to sell you something.

    To quote Nancy Reagen, "Just say NO." You aren't interested in any upgrades. She has now counter threatened you with the parent gambit. If you have control of this account and have another bank, write a check for the $15,000 to cash, sign the back of the check and put for deposit only under your signature, and on the memo part of the check (lower left corner) write for transfer deposit to XYZ Bank New York.

    Go to your New York Bank (a credit Union would be more customer focused), fill out a bank deposit slip, and put the money into your account by presenting the check.

    Wait three days for it to clear, then call the "Doofus Bank of Excessive Marketing" and tell them you want to close the account. Have them send you a check for any remaining amount or pay any penalty charges by money order.

    This should about solve your problem. The only reason to not do this is if you still need
    The "Doofus Bank of Excessive Marketing" in Denver in the future.

    Bottom line. They are trying to intimidate you. You need to fire them.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Thats a good idea, I have been thinking about opening a different savings an account in my area to get as higher intrest rate anyways. When I start working full time in a couple weeks I will probably use a safety deposit box rather than putting all my money in the bank, since im hardly earning any intrest anyway and all the talk about irs tax audits stresses me out on top of everything else.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Hiiii!

    I actually work at a bank so I'll toss in my two cents here. Believe it or not even bank tellers have sales quotas. We are under amazing pressure to get people to open additional accounts or to "upgrade" their account if they have a high balance and aren't already in one of the fancy account packages (usually 10-25K). When things get slow many bankers and tellers will start digging through account information of people who have come into the branch (they assume they are local then) or are prompted by a list of "special offers" for customers.

    Most customers have their preferences set to "do not call, do no solicit" on their profile but not all. If business gets slow we are taught to start digging through acct information and start acting like telemarketers (this is the reason I'm looking for a new job =)

    Also, if your parents are not on the account with you they cannot do anything to your acct and it would be illegal for the bank to release any information about your acct to them (including your balance). If the bank you use has a specific customer service number (like the larger ones often do... B of A, Wells, Citi) I would call them and threaten them to put your name on their do not call list and make sure your parents aren't on your acct or take them off.

    Finally, if you have 15k just sitting in an acct do something with it!!! Most banks have incredibly shitty interest rates. You'll earn like a whole 12 cents for leaving that kind of money in their or something else ridiculous. I just opened an online savings acct with Citi (which is NOT the bank I work for fyi) and am earning 4.5% in interest.....several other online banks like ING and GMAC are offering similar deals. I can't do math for shit but thats gotta be at least 50 bucks a month. (ok...not a lot but better than 12 cents and good for gas money!) These accts are complete liquid (you dont have to wait forever to get your money back and they are FDIC insured so you can't loose anything like you would in the stock market) and the rates are pretty close to the CD rates most banks are offering (even for longer CDs)

    Anyways! Make your money work for you and tell those bank people to go screw themselves with their desperate marketing and criminally low interest rates.

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    Featured Member lunchbox's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Quote Originally Posted by Deogol
    Actually an identity thief will know how to use a computer to give the wrong number on caller ID.
    When I said "use that" I was refering to spoofing caller ID...

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Ok so I want to open a different savings accound in my area but heres my new question - hopefully mealonie reads this: How do I close my current savings account and open a new one at a different bank without generating a notice that shows up to the IRS?

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    If you've got $15,000 sitting in the bank, you can bet that the IRS already knows about this. I hope that you've claimed enough on your taxes to show for this...

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Maybe I'm just paranoid but this is why I hate banks.... and I used to work for one too.... haha. I keep most of my money in a safe, cleverly hidden so thiefs wouldn't find it.... I pay everything with cash or money order. It is true that banks, including tellers, have quotas on selling 'products'. This is probably why you were called. Also, it is 100% illegal to give out any of your banking information unless you die... which would go then to your parents or spouse. If I were you I would get that money out and move it closer to you (ie. a local bank).
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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    ^^Yep. If you have that much money in a bank account, the IRS already has been notified.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    Im not sure - my dad did my taxes, I know he paid a lot more for me than previous years because of some bonds and stuff - I am still a dependent

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    Default Re: really weird call from bank lady

    That could potentially create a problem for you AND your parents. If/when IRS figures out you've got that much money in a bank account of your own, it could be very hard to explain 1) where that money came from 2) how your parents are still claiming you as dependent if your income is high enough to have saved that much money, and 3) if if wasn't claimed on your income, who's was it and why weren't taxes paid on it. You should really be filing your own taxes (and claiming yourself, not as dependent on parents' returns) and claiming enough income to have been able to save that kind of money. Things could get pretty sticky otherwise.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

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