<< <i>..marks every media mail envelope with red marker in huge letters a "ADULT MATERIALS" as a diversion. I've never mentioned this here as I really don't want anyone else doing it when sending me something but this has worked. As now all the newer postal employees distance themselves from me due to embarrassment as they feel I'm into smut. >>
I have a similar gag I use on my comrades when I feel mischievous... I send packages to John Doe as John "Pretty-In-Pink" Doe.
It really gives the mail carriers something to chat about.
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal. >>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie. >>
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread.
-Brandon -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- My sets: [280+ horse coins] :: [France Sowers] :: [Colorful world copper] :: [Beautiful world coins] -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal. >>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie. >>
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread. >>
1. I was caught off-guard by the remark and did not have a ready response at hand. I have no relationship with the dude and would not have felt that it is my role to counsel him. If you want to offer uninvited advice to strangers, be my guest. 2. You can look up the definition of passive-aggressive yourself, but it has nothing to do with my response/reaction. 3. The folks that I consider to be reasonable here have generally agreed with my mild level of concern. Many have suggested that I should be even more concerned and escalate things further. 4. Paranoid? Not at all. You should probably consult the DSM manual before throwing out diagnoses. 5. Since when do you get to decide what is appropriate discussion for this forum? It generated a lot of interest and discussion from people with a variety of viewpoints, and some of us learned something from this experience. Several others have had similar and related experiences (at the bank, at the post office, etc.) 6. When did you last start a thread that generated such interest? I thought so...
We ship anywhere from 10 to 20 packages per day via the USPS. Usually there will be one Priority Flat Rate at about 40-60 pounds (silver bullion, bag of 90%, etc.). A few weeks ago the clerk said to our guy, "wow, this is heavy. Is this gold or silver?" They know what we do in town. There was a long line in the small counter area behind us. I couldn't believe it. Whenever I am asked what is in the packages, I quickly say "machine parts," or "metal stampings."
As for the bank teller, I would certainly mention the incident at your dinner tonight. Maybe preface the conversation by saying, "before I tell what happened, I want to be clear that I do not want the employee in question to be fired. Reprimanded....yes."
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal. >>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie. >>
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread. >>
1. I was caught off-guard by the remark and did not have a ready response at hand. I have no relationship with the dude and would not have felt that it is my role to counsel him. If you want to offer uninvited advice to strangers, be my guest. 2. You can look up the definition of passive-aggressive yourself, but it has nothing to do with my response/reaction. 3. The folks that I consider to be reasonable here have generally agreed with my mild level of concern. Many have suggested that I should be even more concerned and escalate things further. 4. Paranoid? Not at all. You should probably consult the DSM manual before throwing out diagnoses. 5. Since when do you get to decide what is appropriate discussion for this forum? It generated a lot of interest and discussion from people with a variety of viewpoints, and some of us learned something from this experience. Several others have had similar and related experiences (at the bank, at the post office, etc.) 6. When did you last start a thread that generated such interest? I thought so... >>
Let me make it more clear for you: making no comment at the time (being passive) and then coming to a website forum to contemplate bringing this up with the President of the bank (aggression). You don't have to be so defensive. I just don't understand why people can't have people skills anymore. If it made you uncomfortable, then address it then and there.
Regarding your point (6), you are exactly correct. I don't start threads here (on purpose) because of the attitude and mentality of so many people here. I generally only lurked for the past 2+ years until I started posting in the world coin section recently. But, anyway, sorry for expressing my opinion in *your* thread.
-Brandon -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- My sets: [280+ horse coins] :: [France Sowers] :: [Colorful world copper] :: [Beautiful world coins] -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
I only read the first and last page but here's my take.
I'm honestly embarrassed for this guy. Researching where a customer's checks are coming from is WAY WAY WAY WAY (Add another 23428 of those) out of line. The fact that he actually TOLD you about it shows us two things.
1. He didn't think it was wrong. 2. He's really, really stupid.
I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just seems like a dumb kid that should really know better. "Great Collections" would peak my interest too and I might Google it out of curiosity but I CERTAINLY wouldn't run around telling people about it. That's just bad form. Really bad form.
<< <i>I don't start threads here (on purpose) because of the attitude and mentality of so many people here. >>
Ouch. >>
In a twisted bit of irony I stopped posting ATS for the very same reason.............MJ
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>I bank at a smaller, local bank in which I have a personal and business relationship. I have accounts and my SDBs at this location, which is conveniently located near my home. I personally know the long tenured tellers and the officers of this branch (and am coincidentally having dinner with my banker tomorrow evening).
Today, I dropped by the bank to deposit a check from Great Collections and to grab some coins from the SDB to sell at the show. As I customarily do, I deposited the check and then asked the teller to take me to the SDB. The teller was a newer one, a young man, who was very friendly and accommodating. As I was returning the box to the vault, he said to me that he saw that I was a coin collector. I did not immediately respond, but he then said that he googled "Great Collections" from my deposited check and that was how he knew. I was a little bit taken aback, but I played along and mostly downplayed it, we chatted about searching rolls and the like, and I left.
I tend not to be paranoid about stuff, but I also try to be discreet about my interest in coins among strangers. How would you feel about this? Would you mention anything to your banker at dinner tomorrow? >>
I would definitely report this fellows actions to someone at the bank.
It's one thing for you to volunteer information to a teller (perhaps in asking for rolls of coins). But something entirely different for a teller to perform an unauthorized background search on you and your activities!
IMO, this was totally unprofessional and this young teller should be investigated and perhaps disciplined for trying to involve himself in your private activities and/or sources of your check deposits.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>Sounds a little to worried to me, probably be more worried if he didn't work at a bank. Lots of people get into banking because they are interested in money and that doesn't always involve stealing yours. >>
Right!
A bank teller has a professional obligation to NOT pry into their customers personal business. Doing so, in an unauthorized fashion, raises red flags of suspicion since there is absolutely NO reason to have performed such a search unless, perhaps, ill intent was the reason. As a customer of the bank, I would want an immediate response from the bank as to what and why he did what he did.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
Personally, I wouldn't mention it to the president of the bank. I don't really see how that will help. I'd just forget about it unless it continues to be a problem on subsequent visits.
Sadly, we live in a culture of unprofessionalism and immaturity, where everyone posts the private details of their lives on the internet for everyone to see. Again, it's sad, but it's really too much to expect of a young person to understand what they did was inappropriate or wrong. They just aren't going to get it.
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal. >>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie. >>
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread. >>
1. I was caught off-guard by the remark and did not have a ready response at hand. I have no relationship with the dude and would not have felt that it is my role to counsel him. If you want to offer uninvited advice to strangers, be my guest. 2. You can look up the definition of passive-aggressive yourself, but it has nothing to do with my response/reaction. 3. The folks that I consider to be reasonable here have generally agreed with my mild level of concern. Many have suggested that I should be even more concerned and escalate things further. 4. Paranoid? Not at all. You should probably consult the DSM manual before throwing out diagnoses. 5. Since when do you get to decide what is appropriate discussion for this forum? It generated a lot of interest and discussion from people with a variety of viewpoints, and some of us learned something from this experience. Several others have had similar and related experiences (at the bank, at the post office, etc.) 6. When did you last start a thread that generated such interest? I thought so... >>
Let me make it more clear for you: making no comment at the time (being passive) and then coming to a website forum to contemplate bringing this up with the President of the bank (aggression). You don't have to be so defensive. I just don't understand why people can't have people skills anymore. If it made you uncomfortable, then address it then and there.
Regarding your point (6), you are exactly correct. I don't start threads here (on purpose) because of the attitude and mentality of so many people here. I generally only lurked for the past 2+ years until I started posting in the world coin section recently. But, anyway, sorry for expressing my opinion in *your* thread. >>
Not to worry, brg5658. I think your analysis is spot-on. Some people enjoy being FDQ's for the express purpose that it gives them pleasure in feeling they are the center of attention.
I really enjoyed reading this thread. Lots of good discussion of what I do believe is a sensitive issue.
My 2 cents - I'm an owner in a professional firm and I'd want to know if one of my employees made a client uncomfortable about the privacy of their information. If notified of such a situation, I have no doubt that addressing it in an appropriate manner with my employee would result in an invaluable and unforgettable lesson that my employee would remember for his entire career. In this type of circumstance I believe it could be approached with an appropriate "instructional" tone that would very clearly establish my expectation of how client privacy is valued.
I would mention it to your banker friend, qualified with the fact that it's an understandable indiscretion that should be forgiven of the new employee, but should also not be repeated with yourself or other clients.
My creepy neighbor who lives a couple of houses north of me with his sister worked at a bank I used to patronize. He was a teller and he was always in my business, so I took my business elsewhere. Plus he was unkempt and wore the same tie everyday with the Disney character Goofy on it and it was all stained. I'm pretty sure one of the stains was mustard, probably from shoving hot dogs in his pie hole.
It will be difficult not to mention the incident, but I wouldn't.
The young teller was curious and overly enthusiastic. He probably doesn't even realize that he made a mistake.
Best to let it go. If you talk to the bank manager, he will be obliged to say something to the teller. Then the teller will talk about it with some of his co-workers, bringing the incident into more conversations, making more people curious.
Next time you see him, smile ask for some rolls of half dollars and diminish the coin profile.
I would say something to the bank manager. The young man may learn a good lesson. When people start Googling things from your personal accounts at a bank or where ever that's not ok.
Would you want your childs teacher telling other parents information about your child. Not a lot different here. Confidential info is Confidential when it's not public.
I'd have said something to the employee to the effect that coin collectors are very sensitive to privacy because of the risks of theft and various mayhem (which is why we use safety deposit boxes). If he didn't seem to take it seriously, only then would I try to mention it casually to the banker. The damage is done and can't be undone. It's more important to prevent future damage.
Here's my take, for what it's worth. IMO the teller had no ill intent and was oblivious to the fact that he was breaching your privacy. That said- the larger problem is that he could innocently say something about your sensitive info in front of someone else who may indeed HAVE ill intent.
After having read this thread yesterday afternoon I was at my local branch yesterday making a deposit...and while waiting my turn was listening to some of the conversation between tellers... bank balances, credit ratings...it bothered me a little that they were doing this within earshot of random customers who for all they know could be harvesting said info for future use. While reading some of the replies here I legitimately thought for a while about what I'd do if I were in your situation. I think I'd tell the bank officer over dinner, and ask him not to single out the specific teller but perhaps bring the issue up during a future teller/staff meeting as to policy regarding customer privacy.
I may have mentioned its inappropriateness to the teller when it happened and depending on his response/attitude, then decided whether to tell his employer or not.
I never thought that growing old would happen so fast. - Jim
It would shock a lot of people how little most tellers at banks get paid so this doesn't entirely surprise me. It would bother me a bit and I don't think it's paranoia to feel that way. In the end, you handled it in a manner that made the most sense to you.
I keep two different SDBs and if it happened to me, my reaction would likely be to move my best stuff to the other SDB for a while. Welcome back by the way -- glad your summer break is over and hope it was a good one.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
I have discussed the issue with my wife, who is a labor/employment attorney, and she appreciates the ethical quandary and grey area of the issue. From the employment law standpoint, once I make a complaint, I have no control of the outcome of the situation. So I can say to my banker, "Fred, I don't want Luke to get fired over encounter this but...", but the banker may not even have control over what happens next as he is duty-bound to report the incident to HR, and it goes through "the process."
I did have dinner with the banker tonight, but it was a couples dinner, and we had a lovely evening. The homemade tiramisu was especially outstanding. There was no reason to spoil it with my story, no matter how tactfully I approached it. In fact, it probably would have been inappropriate to do so with the spouses in tow.
I have absorbed all of the input from forum members and with others with whom I have discussed the issue. Most have agreed that almost any immediate reaction would be the wrong thing to do at the time.
The next time I go to the bank, I will purposefully get in line for the new teller and be prepared if he makes any reference to the coins or any other personal information. I will tell him something like, "Luke, you are a nice guy, and I like you. I know you are just being friendly, but some of the customers in the bank might be a little annoyed if you bring up personal information in small talk. In fact, even I thought it was inappropriate when you brought up that you googled my check last time I was here. I am not going to make a big deal of it, but others certainly would, and if it happens again on my account, I might be inclined to mention it to Fred next time. I would rather that all of this stays between us."
If he does it again after my counseling, then I go straight to Fred, knowing I did all I did to help the kid. He did indicate that this is not his first bank job, and I believe he should know better. Additionally, the banker indicated that he often googles depositors checks to see who is the payer, and chances are, I am neither the first nor last depositor to get the nosy smalltalk.
That's about all I can do, at this point, to protect the bank, its employees, its customers (some of whom are friends and colleagues), and the teller.
(Luke and Fred are made up names for this illustration.)
Perhaps you should suggest that he Google Luke and Fred!
Why would he Google the payee when that would be the person in front of him presenting the check? I'd think that he'd be more curious about the payer or outfit that wrote the check.
Also, I might be inclined to ask one of the other tellers if Luke ever says much about what he finds on Google.
Knowing what I do for business = good networking, good for business
Knowing WHERE the goods are stored = not wise at all
I'm glad people know what I do but I'd never ever want them knowing which SDB is mine nor what's inside. This is one of the reasons I have a PO Box, so people don't know where I live. Even when I'm mailing to family or friends, my PO Box is the return address on the envelope. Privacy is a good thing but like all things it has its place and time. Networking is crucial for any business and for that reason I think it's OK if your banker knows you're a coin man.
As a business owner, I sure hope my customers would alert me to an employee's questionable activity. For that reason, I'd definitely tell your friend.
How much a teller gets paid has zero bearing on this situation. Regardless of their salary level, bank employees are given guidelines as to appropriate vs. inappropriate actions as they pertain to the security of customers' information. This guy messed up. Pure and simple.
<< <i>I have discussed the issue with my wife, who is a labor/employment attorney, and she appreciates the ethical quandary and grey area of the issue. From the employment law standpoint, once I make a complaint, I have no control of the outcome of the situation. So I can say to my banker, "Fred, I don't want Luke to get fired over encounter this but...", but the banker may not even have control over what happens next as he is duty-bound to report the incident to HR, and it goes through "the process."
I did have dinner with the banker tonight, but it was a couples dinner, and we had a lovely evening. The homemade tiramisu was especially outstanding. There was no reason to spoil it with my story, no matter how tactfully I approached it. In fact, it probably would have been inappropriate to do so with the spouses in tow.
I have absorbed all of the input from forum members and with others with whom I have discussed the issue. Most have agreed that almost any immediate reaction would be the wrong thing to do at the time.
The next time I go to the bank, I will purposefully get in line for the new teller and be prepared if he makes any reference to the coins or any other personal information. I will tell him something like, "Luke, you are a nice guy, and I like you. I know you are just being friendly, but some of the customers in the bank might be a little annoyed if you bring up personal information in small talk. In fact, even I thought it was inappropriate when you brought up that you googled my check last time I was here. I am not going to make a big deal of it, but others certainly would, and if it happens again on my account, I might be inclined to mention it to Fred next time. I would rather that all of this stays between us."
If he does it again after my counseling, then I go straight to Fred, knowing I did all I did to help the kid. He did indicate that this is not his first bank job, and I believe he should know better. Additionally, the banker indicated that he often googles depositors checks to see who is the payer, and chances are, I am neither the first nor last depositor to get the nosy smalltalk.
That's about all I can do, at this point, to protect the bank, its employees, its customers (some of whom are friends and colleagues), and the teller.
(Luke and Fred are made up names for this illustration.) >>
Sounds like a good plan.
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
First, I'm disappointed to find out the op's name is not Raymond Yaphet Kotto. 2sides tricked me again!
Re: roll searching & your plan. I'd throw in that you've read news stories of collectors followed home and robbed just because they think there's "silver in them thar hills." Tell him that he & you must keep silent to all people because of assumptions stupid crooks make.
...sounds like that fellow could have a very bright future with the IRS.
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
<< <i>certain lines of work demand discretion. Banking is one of them. Young fella needs to learn this. >>
He was discreet in that he apparently didn't shout it out in the same manner that a checker in a discount store makes sure that everyone knows that you are buying "personal" items. It's not like he told RYK something that he didn't already know. Would it matter if he already knew about Great Collections? I suppose the best thing would have been to drop it in the night depository. Just because the other tellers don't mention it to him doesn't mean that they don't know that the OP has an interest in coins. I doubt that Luke will change his behavior, but he does need to understand that what happens at the teller's window stays at the teller's window. Next time, I'd simply hand him the URL for this thread and say. GOOGLE THIS.
I changed my checks to initials, an acronym for the name. No more "Coins" or related words on the checks for me!
I used to work at a bank and this is a no no. More than likely it was very innocent from the employee, but a more appropriate rapport would be, "Sir may I have one of your business cards? I am interested in collecting coins and have some questions I would like to ask you at your convenience".
<< <i>I used to work at a bank and this is a no no. More than likely it was very innocent from the employee, but a more appropriate rapport would be, "Sir may I have one of your business cards? I am interested in collecting coins and have some questions I would like to ask you at your convenience". >>
Even asking for RYK's business card would have been inappropriate, since it would show that he crossed the line and investigated his personal matters.
He should have said nothing other then the usual, "how are doing you today?," "may I help you with anything else?," and the old staple, "thank you for your business."
<< <i>I am going to the bank tomorrow, for the first time since the incident in the OP. If anything interesting happens, you can read about it here. >>
I once took some coins out of the safe deposit box at my bank. While still in a somewhat closed off area, I managed to drop the intercept shield box as the lid was loose, and a few slabs scattered across the floor. The bank manager who is a great guy was helping me, and he quickly looked away and blocked the area so no one else could see what I was picking up. I thanked him and made sure to rubber band the intercept shield boxes when going to and from the bank.
All coins kept in bank vaults. PCGS Registries Box of 20 SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
I don't think it's abnormal to look into something that stimulates your interest and/or suspicion. In many cases I have done extensive research into the background of realtors, home owners, neighbors, family members, students, and even two bankers that I have had a slightly unsettling feeling with. Disclosing to them that you have searched their history online for court records, property information, education history, or just general google histories do not provide you with any benefit other than people may be freaked out.
As the hundred or more respondents have said , your bank employee was indiscrete. My bank is very discrete about all bank matters including SDBs. Even though I may open a number of boxes and take them to a private viewing room, no bank employee over decades has ever asked what I have in the boxes. They also according to law request I fill out signed paper work each time I enter, even though they know me well. The bank is also local/regional and very conservative. "It only loans money to people who don't need to borrow money".
<< <i>I bank at a smaller, local bank in which I have a personal and business relationship. I have accounts and my SDBs at this location, which is conveniently located near my home. I personally know the long tenured tellers and the officers of this branch (and am coincidentally having dinner with my banker tomorrow evening).
Today, I dropped by the bank to deposit a check from Great Collections and to grab some coins from the SDB to sell at the show. As I customarily do, I deposited the check and then asked the teller to take me to the SDB. The teller was a newer one, a young man, who was very friendly and accommodating. As I was returning the box to the vault, he said to me that he saw that I was a coin collector. I did not immediately respond, but he then said that he googled "Great Collections" from my deposited check and that was how he knew. I was a little bit taken aback, but I played along and mostly downplayed it, we chatted about searching rolls and the like, and I left.
I tend not to be paranoid about stuff, but I also try to be discreet about my interest in coins among strangers. How would you feel about this? Would you mention anything to your banker at dinner tomorrow? >>
1) Welcome back
2) Yes it would bug me
3) Yes I would tell your banker and I would let him pick up the check
MJ >>
+1 +1 +1
Numismatist Ordinaire See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
FWIW, I could figger out the exact amount of the check he deposited and I wouldn't even need to use Google. Is that an invasion of privacy as long as I keep it to myself?
<< <i>I'm curious as to the outcome of today's follow-up interaction. >>
Well, today was far less interesting (other than that I went into both SDBs in one day, something I almost never do).
Luke did attend to me today, and it was a normal interaction, with no mention of coins. I had a prepared statement, as such, had he brought it up, but I saw no reason to do so. We talked about the great weather we have been having, the Cards-Pirates series, how busy the bank was today, the usual small talk stuff. I believe that Luke is a "Chatty Cathy" type, which is okay if it does not get too personal--"Mrs. Smith, that's a lovely necklace you are returning to the vault--that diamond must be at least 5 carats!"
As far as I am concerned, this is no longer an issue.
Comments
<< <i>..marks every media mail envelope with red marker in huge letters a "ADULT MATERIALS" as a diversion. I've never mentioned this here as I really don't want anyone else doing it when sending me something but this has worked. As now all the newer postal employees distance themselves from me due to embarrassment as they feel I'm into smut. >>
I have a similar gag I use on my comrades when I feel mischievous... I send packages to John Doe as John "Pretty-In-Pink" Doe.
It really gives the mail carriers something to chat about.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal.
>>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie.
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread.
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
My sets: [280+ horse coins] :: [France Sowers] :: [Colorful world copper] :: [Beautiful world coins]
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
<< <i>No, I would not tell the banker. I would talk to the newbie in a gentle but firm manner and let him know why what he did was inappropriate.
The kid made a mistake. Let him learn from it without losing his job. Anyone here make a big, dumb mistake when you were young?
Lance. >>
Couldn't have said it better.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal.
>>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie.
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread. >>
1. I was caught off-guard by the remark and did not have a ready response at hand. I have no relationship with the dude and would not have felt that it is my role to counsel him. If you want to offer uninvited advice to strangers, be my guest.
2. You can look up the definition of passive-aggressive yourself, but it has nothing to do with my response/reaction.
3. The folks that I consider to be reasonable here have generally agreed with my mild level of concern. Many have suggested that I should be even more concerned and escalate things further.
4. Paranoid? Not at all. You should probably consult the DSM manual before throwing out diagnoses.
5. Since when do you get to decide what is appropriate discussion for this forum? It generated a lot of interest and discussion from people with a variety of viewpoints, and some of us learned something from this experience. Several others have had similar and related experiences (at the bank, at the post office, etc.)
6. When did you last start a thread that generated such interest? I thought so...
We ship anywhere from 10 to 20 packages per day via the USPS. Usually there will be one Priority Flat Rate at about 40-60 pounds (silver bullion, bag of 90%, etc.). A few weeks ago the clerk said to our guy, "wow, this is heavy. Is this gold or silver?" They know what we do in town. There was a long line in the small counter area behind us. I couldn't believe it. Whenever I am asked what is in the packages, I quickly say "machine parts," or "metal stampings."
As for the bank teller, I would certainly mention the incident at your dinner tonight. Maybe preface the conversation by saying, "before I tell what happened, I want to be clear that I do not want the employee in question to be fired. Reprimanded....yes."
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal.
>>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie.
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread. >>
1. I was caught off-guard by the remark and did not have a ready response at hand. I have no relationship with the dude and would not have felt that it is my role to counsel him. If you want to offer uninvited advice to strangers, be my guest.
2. You can look up the definition of passive-aggressive yourself, but it has nothing to do with my response/reaction.
3. The folks that I consider to be reasonable here have generally agreed with my mild level of concern. Many have suggested that I should be even more concerned and escalate things further.
4. Paranoid? Not at all. You should probably consult the DSM manual before throwing out diagnoses.
5. Since when do you get to decide what is appropriate discussion for this forum? It generated a lot of interest and discussion from people with a variety of viewpoints, and some of us learned something from this experience. Several others have had similar and related experiences (at the bank, at the post office, etc.)
6. When did you last start a thread that generated such interest? I thought so... >>
Let me make it more clear for you: making no comment at the time (being passive) and then coming to a website forum to contemplate bringing this up with the President of the bank (aggression). You don't have to be so defensive. I just don't understand why people can't have people skills anymore. If it made you uncomfortable, then address it then and there.
Regarding your point (6), you are exactly correct. I don't start threads here (on purpose) because of the attitude and mentality of so many people here. I generally only lurked for the past 2+ years until I started posting in the world coin section recently. But, anyway, sorry for expressing my opinion in *your* thread.
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
My sets: [280+ horse coins] :: [France Sowers] :: [Colorful world copper] :: [Beautiful world coins]
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
<< <i>I don't start threads here (on purpose) because of the attitude and mentality of so many people here. >>
Ouch.
Coin Rarities Online
I'm honestly embarrassed for this guy. Researching where a customer's checks are coming from is WAY WAY WAY WAY (Add another 23428 of those) out of line. The fact that he actually TOLD you about it shows us two things.
1. He didn't think it was wrong.
2. He's really, really stupid.
I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just seems like a dumb kid that should really know better. "Great Collections" would peak my interest too and I might Google it out of curiosity but I CERTAINLY wouldn't run around telling people about it. That's just bad form. Really bad form.
Does he need a life lesson? Yes and fast.
Should he be fired? I don't think so.
Should you be worried? I wouldn't be.
Successful Transactions With: JoeLewis, Mkman123, Harry779, Grote15, gdavis70, Kryptonitecomics
<< <i>
<< <i>I don't start threads here (on purpose) because of the attitude and mentality of so many people here. >>
Ouch. >>
In a twisted bit of irony I stopped posting ATS for the very same reason.............MJ
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Replies, quotes, etc. need to be edited.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>I bank at a smaller, local bank in which I have a personal and business relationship. I have accounts and my SDBs at this location, which is conveniently located near my home. I personally know the long tenured tellers and the officers of this branch (and am coincidentally having dinner with my banker tomorrow evening).
Today, I dropped by the bank to deposit a check from Great Collections and to grab some coins from the SDB to sell at the show. As I customarily do, I deposited the check and then asked the teller to take me to the SDB. The teller was a newer one, a young man, who was very friendly and accommodating. As I was returning the box to the vault, he said to me that he saw that I was a coin collector. I did not immediately respond, but he then said that he googled "Great Collections" from my deposited check and that was how he knew. I was a little bit taken aback, but I played along and mostly downplayed it, we chatted about searching rolls and the like, and I left.
I tend not to be paranoid about stuff, but I also try to be discreet about my interest in coins among strangers. How would you feel about this? Would you mention anything to your banker at dinner tomorrow? >>
I would definitely report this fellows actions to someone at the bank.
It's one thing for you to volunteer information to a teller (perhaps in asking for rolls of coins). But something entirely different for a teller to perform an unauthorized background search on you and your activities!
IMO, this was totally unprofessional and this young teller should be investigated and perhaps disciplined for trying to involve himself in your private activities and/or sources of your check deposits.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>Sounds a little to worried to me, probably be more worried if he didn't work at a bank. Lots of people get into banking because they are interested in money and that doesn't always involve stealing yours. >>
Right!
A bank teller has a professional obligation to NOT pry into their customers personal business. Doing so, in an unauthorized fashion, raises red flags of suspicion since there is absolutely NO reason to have performed such a search unless, perhaps, ill intent was the reason. As a customer of the bank, I would want an immediate response from the bank as to what and why he did what he did.
The name is LEE!
Sadly, we live in a culture of unprofessionalism and immaturity, where everyone posts the private details of their lives on the internet for everyone to see. Again, it's sad, but it's really too much to expect of a young person to understand what they did was inappropriate or wrong. They just aren't going to get it.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I know that in the medical field, if a doctor or nurse made a casual inquiry into a person's medical history on an electronic record it would be grounds for dismissal.
>>
This is not the medical field. Personally identified medical information other than for the direct care of a patient is protected information under law. As far as I know, banking information is not protected like medical information. Your bank shares your account balances, and all kinds of financial information related to credit worthiness, etc.
I agree. So far as I know, it is not the job duty of the teller to discuss my transactions with me. And I should not be put in the position of having to discuss them with him, unless banking rules have changed. In my lifetime, I am sure that I have made 100's or 1000's of deposits, and no one has ever discussed the payee and or the line of work that they are in.
<< <i>There is a 0% chance that I will ask the teller. There is a 50% chance that I will ask the President of the bank tomorrow night, and if I do not like the answer, there is a 100% chance that my business and personal banking will be elsewhere in August. >>
This seems like a passive-aggressive and unprofessional way of handling the issue. Do you escalate all issues to this level (president/CEO), regardless of if you're friends with the bank president or not?? This is a very immature response in my opinion. Why not just softly ask the teller to be more discreet? I don't see the harm in that response. Unfortunately, you already lost out on your most useful time to make such a comment -- when originally asked about the coins. >>
I completely disagree with this. It would be unprofessional for me to engage the teller on what is and is not appropriate behavior for a teller. For one thing, I do not what is his job description, what are the rules for a teller, etc. I am not his supervisor. I am not really interested in fixing the problem. I just want to get in and out and do my business without having to answer nosy questions. If there is a legitimate reason to ask a question about a transaction and confront me on it, that's fine with me. Just to make small talk, no thanks.
As a customer of the bank, I have every right to pull my accounts from the bank for any reason ranging from a small incident like this to something more egregious, like if the teller were wearing a Baltimore Ravens tie.
You have every right to over-react in any way you wish.
It isn't a matter of you acting as a superior or supervisor for the teller. It's a matter of you acting as another human being and requesting that he/she keep your private information a bit hush. I love when people are willing to come to a website of a bunch of strangers and complain about something that they could have fixed and prevented with a 15 second response at the time of the conversation. This is by definition passive-aggressive behavior. My point was that if you had simply made a very short response to him at the time of the interaction, you would have 1) likely realized from his reaction that he didn't know any better, and 2) you would have never had to fostered the apparent paranoia that led you to enough concern to come to a forum and create this thread. >>
1. I was caught off-guard by the remark and did not have a ready response at hand. I have no relationship with the dude and would not have felt that it is my role to counsel him. If you want to offer uninvited advice to strangers, be my guest.
2. You can look up the definition of passive-aggressive yourself, but it has nothing to do with my response/reaction.
3. The folks that I consider to be reasonable here have generally agreed with my mild level of concern. Many have suggested that I should be even more concerned and escalate things further.
4. Paranoid? Not at all. You should probably consult the DSM manual before throwing out diagnoses.
5. Since when do you get to decide what is appropriate discussion for this forum? It generated a lot of interest and discussion from people with a variety of viewpoints, and some of us learned something from this experience. Several others have had similar and related experiences (at the bank, at the post office, etc.)
6. When did you last start a thread that generated such interest? I thought so... >>
Let me make it more clear for you: making no comment at the time (being passive) and then coming to a website forum to contemplate bringing this up with the President of the bank (aggression). You don't have to be so defensive. I just don't understand why people can't have people skills anymore. If it made you uncomfortable, then address it then and there.
Regarding your point (6), you are exactly correct. I don't start threads here (on purpose) because of the attitude and mentality of so many people here. I generally only lurked for the past 2+ years until I started posting in the world coin section recently. But, anyway, sorry for expressing my opinion in *your* thread. >>
Not to worry, brg5658. I think your analysis is spot-on. Some people enjoy being FDQ's for the express purpose that it gives them pleasure in feeling they are the center of attention.
My 2 cents - I'm an owner in a professional firm and I'd want to know if one of my employees made a client uncomfortable about the privacy of their information. If notified of such a situation, I have no doubt that addressing it in an appropriate manner with my employee would result in an invaluable and unforgettable lesson that my employee would remember for his entire career. In this type of circumstance I believe it could be approached with an appropriate "instructional" tone that would very clearly establish my expectation of how client privacy is valued.
I would mention it to your banker friend, qualified with the fact that it's an understandable indiscretion that should be forgiven of the new employee, but should also not be repeated with yourself or other clients.
The young teller was curious and overly enthusiastic. He probably doesn't even realize
that he made a mistake.
Best to let it go. If you talk to the bank manager, he will be obliged to say something to the
teller. Then the teller will talk about it with some of his co-workers, bringing the incident into
more conversations, making more people curious.
Next time you see him, smile ask for some rolls of half dollars and diminish the coin profile.
Would you want your childs teacher telling other parents information about your child. Not a lot different here. Confidential info is Confidential when it's not public.
Lafayette Grading Set
I'd have said something to the employee to the effect that coin collectors are very sensitive to
privacy because of the risks of theft and various mayhem (which is why we use safety deposit
boxes). If he didn't seem to take it seriously, only then would I try to mention it casually to the
banker. The damage is done and can't be undone. It's more important to prevent future damage.
IMO the teller had no ill intent and was oblivious to the fact that he was breaching your privacy.
That said- the larger problem is that he could innocently say something about your sensitive info in front of someone else who may indeed HAVE ill intent.
After having read this thread yesterday afternoon I was at my local branch yesterday making a deposit...and while waiting my turn was listening to some of the conversation between tellers... bank balances, credit ratings...it bothered me a little that they were doing this within earshot of random customers who for all they know could be harvesting said info for future use.
While reading some of the replies here I legitimately thought for a while about what I'd do if I were in your situation.
I think I'd tell the bank officer over dinner, and ask him not to single out the specific teller but perhaps bring the issue up during a future teller/staff meeting as to policy regarding customer privacy.
Edit for typo and clarity.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
- Jim
I keep two different SDBs and if it happened to me, my reaction would likely be to move my best stuff to the other SDB for a while. Welcome back by the way -- glad your summer break is over and hope it was a good one.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
I did have dinner with the banker tonight, but it was a couples dinner, and we had a lovely evening. The homemade tiramisu was especially outstanding. There was no reason to spoil it with my story, no matter how tactfully I approached it. In fact, it probably would have been inappropriate to do so with the spouses in tow.
I have absorbed all of the input from forum members and with others with whom I have discussed the issue. Most have agreed that almost any immediate reaction would be the wrong thing to do at the time.
The next time I go to the bank, I will purposefully get in line for the new teller and be prepared if he makes any reference to the coins or any other personal information. I will tell him something like, "Luke, you are a nice guy, and I like you. I know you are just being friendly, but some of the customers in the bank might be a little annoyed if you bring up personal information in small talk. In fact, even I thought it was inappropriate when you brought up that you googled my check last time I was here. I am not going to make a big deal of it, but others certainly would, and if it happens again on my account, I might be inclined to mention it to Fred next time. I would rather that all of this stays between us."
If he does it again after my counseling, then I go straight to Fred, knowing I did all I did to help the kid. He did indicate that this is not his first bank job, and I believe he should know better. Additionally, the banker indicated that he often googles depositors checks to see who is the payer, and chances are, I am neither the first nor last depositor to get the nosy smalltalk.
That's about all I can do, at this point, to protect the bank, its employees, its customers (some of whom are friends and colleagues), and the teller.
(Luke and Fred are made up names for this illustration.)
Why would he Google the payee when that would be the person in front of him presenting the check? I'd think that he'd be more curious about the payer or outfit that wrote the check.
Also, I might be inclined to ask one of the other tellers if Luke ever says much about what he finds on Google.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Knowing WHERE the goods are stored = not wise at all
I'm glad people know what I do but I'd never ever want them knowing which SDB is mine nor what's inside. This is one of the reasons I have a PO Box, so people don't know where I live. Even when I'm mailing to family or friends, my PO Box is the return address on the envelope. Privacy is a good thing but like all things it has its place and time. Networking is crucial for any business and for that reason I think it's OK if your banker knows you're a coin man.
As a business owner, I sure hope my customers would alert me to an employee's questionable activity. For that reason, I'd definitely tell your friend.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>I have discussed the issue with my wife, who is a labor/employment attorney, and she appreciates the ethical quandary and grey area of the issue. From the employment law standpoint, once I make a complaint, I have no control of the outcome of the situation. So I can say to my banker, "Fred, I don't want Luke to get fired over encounter this but...", but the banker may not even have control over what happens next as he is duty-bound to report the incident to HR, and it goes through "the process."
I did have dinner with the banker tonight, but it was a couples dinner, and we had a lovely evening. The homemade tiramisu was especially outstanding. There was no reason to spoil it with my story, no matter how tactfully I approached it. In fact, it probably would have been inappropriate to do so with the spouses in tow.
I have absorbed all of the input from forum members and with others with whom I have discussed the issue. Most have agreed that almost any immediate reaction would be the wrong thing to do at the time.
The next time I go to the bank, I will purposefully get in line for the new teller and be prepared if he makes any reference to the coins or any other personal information. I will tell him something like, "Luke, you are a nice guy, and I like you. I know you are just being friendly, but some of the customers in the bank might be a little annoyed if you bring up personal information in small talk. In fact, even I thought it was inappropriate when you brought up that you googled my check last time I was here. I am not going to make a big deal of it, but others certainly would, and if it happens again on my account, I might be inclined to mention it to Fred next time. I would rather that all of this stays between us."
If he does it again after my counseling, then I go straight to Fred, knowing I did all I did to help the kid. He did indicate that this is not his first bank job, and I believe he should know better. Additionally, the banker indicated that he often googles depositors checks to see who is the payer, and chances are, I am neither the first nor last depositor to get the nosy smalltalk.
That's about all I can do, at this point, to protect the bank, its employees, its customers (some of whom are friends and colleagues), and the teller.
(Luke and Fred are made up names for this illustration.) >>
Sounds like a good plan.
Re: roll searching & your plan. I'd throw in that you've read news stories of collectors followed home and robbed just because they think there's "silver in them thar hills." Tell him that he & you must keep silent to all people because of assumptions stupid crooks make.
...sounds like that fellow could have a very bright future with the IRS.
"A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."
<< <i>certain lines of work demand discretion. Banking is one of them. Young fella needs to learn this. >>
He was discreet in that he apparently didn't shout it out in the same manner that a checker in a discount store makes sure that everyone knows that you are buying "personal" items. It's not like he told RYK something that he didn't already know. Would it matter if he already knew about Great Collections? I suppose the best thing would have been to drop it in the night depository. Just because the other tellers don't mention it to him doesn't mean that they don't know that the OP has an interest in coins. I doubt that Luke will change his behavior, but he does need to understand that what happens at the teller's window stays at the teller's window. Next time, I'd simply hand him the URL for this thread and say. GOOGLE THIS.
I used to work at a bank and this is a no no. More than likely it was very innocent from the employee, but a more appropriate rapport would be, "Sir may I have one of your business cards? I am interested in collecting coins and have some questions I would like to ask you at your convenience".
<< <i>I used to work at a bank and this is a no no. More than likely it was very innocent from the employee, but a more appropriate rapport would be, "Sir may I have one of your business cards? I am interested in collecting coins and have some questions I would like to ask you at your convenience". >>
Even asking for RYK's business card would have been inappropriate, since it would show that he crossed the line and investigated his personal matters.
He should have said nothing other then the usual, "how are doing you today?," "may I help you with anything else?," and the old staple, "thank you for your business."
<< <i>The teller needs to be fired.
Sure I am not the First to post this!
<< <i>I am going to the bank tomorrow, for the first time since the incident in the OP. If anything interesting happens, you can read about it here. >>
Are you gonna seek out Luke?
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
Whatever you are, be a good one. ---- Abraham Lincoln
The bank is also local/regional and very conservative. "It only loans money to people who don't need to borrow money".
<< <i>
<< <i>I bank at a smaller, local bank in which I have a personal and business relationship. I have accounts and my SDBs at this location, which is conveniently located near my home. I personally know the long tenured tellers and the officers of this branch (and am coincidentally having dinner with my banker tomorrow evening).
Today, I dropped by the bank to deposit a check from Great Collections and to grab some coins from the SDB to sell at the show. As I customarily do, I deposited the check and then asked the teller to take me to the SDB. The teller was a newer one, a young man, who was very friendly and accommodating. As I was returning the box to the vault, he said to me that he saw that I was a coin collector. I did not immediately respond, but he then said that he googled "Great Collections" from my deposited check and that was how he knew. I was a little bit taken aback, but I played along and mostly downplayed it, we chatted about searching rolls and the like, and I left.
I tend not to be paranoid about stuff, but I also try to be discreet about my interest in coins among strangers. How would you feel about this? Would you mention anything to your banker at dinner tomorrow? >>
1) Welcome back
2) Yes it would bug me
3) Yes I would tell your banker and I would let him pick up the check
MJ >>
+1
+1
+1
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>I'm curious as to the outcome of today's follow-up interaction. >>
Well, today was far less interesting (other than that I went into both SDBs in one day, something I almost never do).
Luke did attend to me today, and it was a normal interaction, with no mention of coins. I had a prepared statement, as such, had he brought it up, but I saw no reason to do so. We talked about the great weather we have been having, the Cards-Pirates series, how busy the bank was today, the usual small talk stuff. I believe that Luke is a "Chatty Cathy" type, which is okay if it does not get too personal--"Mrs. Smith, that's a lovely necklace you are returning to the vault--that diamond must be at least 5 carats!"
As far as I am concerned, this is no longer an issue.