Do you get interrogated for sending money overseas?

[digicube]

A friend of mine was trying to wire transfer a few thousand dollars to his family in southeast asia but the bank was asking many questions, such as what is the money for, his job and other source of income and also about his legal status, he was told to provide proof of documentation before he was allowed to do the transfer. He didn't like the experience and would like to know other cheap alternatives since the bank only charges a small fixed fee for the transfer rather than commissions. He lives in NY, I told him it may be due to the patriot act. He had done many successful wire transfers in the past but that day was different.

 

[hadron]

Hey, great, finally someone starts asking the right questions.

I guess he'll have to go with Western Union. They don't care who you send money to and how you got it.

 

[RajshreeM]

yes

certain provision of Patriot Act makes the bank ask questions like that, you might want to ask around about the legality of such questions.

RajshreeM
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