Frozen Funds, Dead Consequences
My mother-in-law suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage and was rushed into the ICU. The hospital demanded a $200,000 surgery deposit immediately, so I rushed to the bank to raise my transfer limit.
The trainee teller behind the counter took my ID card, swiped it through the reader, then stared at her screen for a long time.
"Hello, ma'am. Our system has flagged this transaction as suspicious and potentially linked to elder fraud. Your account has been frozen."
"That's impossible! That money is for emergency surgery! My mother is still waiting at the hospital!"
The trainee gave me a perfectly rehearsed customer-service smile.
"For the safety of your funds, we'll need the account holder to appear in person to unlock the account."
I slammed my ID against the bulletproof glass and pointed at the name on it.
"Open your eyes and read carefully! I am the account holder! Who else are you waiting for?"
The trainee shrank back slightly, looking utterly wronged, then spoke into the microphone in a meek voice.
"Ma'am, please control your behavior. The system's risk controls are determined by big data. There's nothing I can do.
"If you continue shouting and disrupting financial order, I will have to call the police."
Oh, I see.
She wanted to play power games using company policy as a weapon?
Fine.
I was more than willing to play along.