Once Upon a Time in the Bank.
Women’s Bank, Berlin
[between 1910 and 1915]
Scenario: “Jane Smyth” comes in, bankbook in hand to withdraw $60. She hands me her book and I proceed with the transaction after verifying her identity (normal bank procedure these days).
Jane: What are these charges in my account?
Me: I’ll have to take a look at your book there and find out for you…
(Jane continues flipping through her bankbook)
Jane: I think you gave me the wrong bankbook, this isn’t my account.
Me: I gave you back the book that you gave me to take the $60 out of. When I punched in your account number, it came up in your name.
Jane: No, this isn’t my book, the teller must have given me the wrong one when I was in last.
Me:The account number that is on the book is the same one that is listed under you name on our system.
(I print this out out for her to see)
Jane: But I didn’t do any of these transactions. I always deposit and then take out some cash.
Me: When did you last come in to the bank to make a deposit?
Jane: On the 7th, I think I deposited around $70
Me: There is a deposit here in your book on that day for $68.39, do you think that was your deposit?
Jane: yes, but why would the teller give me someone else’s book?
Me: I don’t know.