I usually believe that we should not ruin someone's business by leaving negative reviews. But this experience was so bad that i had to say something.
I been dealing with HSBC from Past 10 Years for my mortgage. Every month like clockwork, i will go in and pay my mortgage cause my other accounts are with other banks. And transferring from one bank to another cost money and time both. So i prefer to go in and deposit it. Staff is bit cold. But what the hell. it is just a mortgage payment. And we have to stand in line for longer than usual. But all is acceptable.
The other day i went in with 5k to deposit for my mortgage.. I was asked by the Teller (a young guy), where i got the money from. It is always a bit offensive if some one ask you that , but it is OK i guess. i told him i own a business and we have dealings in cash too and i get cash from there and here is my business card and here is my id etc and here is my company website this is what we do ( too much explanation , yes i know but u know lets advertise our business a bit) But to my surprise he denied to accept that explanation and kept insisting where i got the money from and why i have no proof. I told him it is for my mortgage from past 10 years, you can check my record. I showed you my business card and also told you where i got the money from. His answer was "Sir, you do not work for "Walmart " or "Apple" that i should trust or know your company". it completely baffled me and i was really really mad. Like i am at a border crossing or something. i asked to speak to a manager and even she kinda stood by her teller . I asked her " is this a law that i have to prove the legitimacy of my money?" . They said "It is bank policy". First of all i was not aware of such stupid policy second i never agreed to a stupid policy like this when i was opening this account that i will prove my legitimacy every time i come in and deposit. Secondly it is a goddamn mortgage payment to bank. They have my address, My name & everything on file. so if i even stole this money they can check verify and report.Rather than making me feel like a thief. I explained them that i understand that over 10 k or more has to be reported as per law but they cannot still ask me where i got the money from and if they think they should ask. i have the right not to answer them. But they kept on behaving like i have committed some horrific crime by coming in a branch and deposit my mortgage. i asked them can you show me a written letter stating this policy from your bank. they said no it is a internal verbal policy ( Awesome Right) and secondly i asked them why you are even asking.? They said cause it could be "Stolen Money" or you might be doing "Money laundering" . Yes , " Money laundering" they both said to my face. I was angry to my last nerve and i told them it is going in your account as mortgage payment, how in the world is it money laundering. Secondly have i ever been convicted of money laundering? But HSBC is. It is convicted of money laundering in many countries recently so as i am giving you this money. i can ask you the question that are you going to launder my money but you cannot. Also how come that teller is trained to investigate me for money laundering or anything like this what are his qualification in this? and third of i even stole this money by showing him even a fake slip ( which outsource they cannot verify even, my money is legit?). and if they are profiling people how they are doing it?.
It is a free country not a third world country where i should be stopped and frisked. Horrible Service. Horrible Policies, Horrible Explanation.
Stay Away from them till they understand this is a civilized country and we are all not thugs or thieves.