I haven't worked in the banking industry for a few years, but I'm pretty sure a lot of this is bullshyt.
There is no way cops are going to be following people around for $5000.
I worked at a credit union that had a great relationship with the local PD, and even then they were inept as fukk.
They simply don't have the time or man power for actual criminal activity, let alone suspicious behavior.
Customers routinely take large cash withdrawals.
While I think it's incredibly stupid, the other party usually wants immediate access to the money, or want to avoid any documentation of the funds.
It's a popular misconception that banks have millions of dollars in their vaults. Maybe large branches might, but your typical strip mall branch probably keeps a few hundred thousand at most. People walk in talking about withdrawing $50k on the spot aren't too happy when you tell them it's going to be a few days before we can accommodate that request.
But I remember colleagues telling me how celebrities, especially athletes would get whatever they wanted.
When Jason Richardson was with the Warriors, he'd take like $40k when he visited his local branch.
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