Prompt
You work as a teller at a bank. Walter, a 79-year-old customer for more than 20 years, asks to withdraw $20,000 in cash, his third large withdrawal this month. He tells you the money is for a woman he met online six months ago, who needs it to fly out and visit him. He has never met her in person or seen her on a video call. He is sharp, knows his account details exactly, and tells you firmly that it is his money and none of your business. Your bank allows tellers to delay a withdrawal by 24 hours if they suspect fraud, but Walter says he will close his account if you do. What would you do?
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After you practice: what this question tests and how to approach it
What this question tests
- Ethical reasoning
- Professionalism and integrity
- Communication
How to approach this question
This MMI station tests how you balance an older customer's right to spend his own money against a strong suspicion that he's being defrauded, when acting could cost the bank his account. Recognize that Walter is sharp and that the decision is legally his, while noting that an online partner he's never seen who keeps asking for money is a common warning sign. Show respect by sharing your concern directly, explaining what you've noticed, and asking questions rather than lecturing. Weigh using the 24-hour delay against his autonomy and his threat to leave, and consider involving a supervisor or the bank's fraud team. Make a clear decision. If someone close to him asks about his account, think carefully about his confidentiality and what you're allowed to share.
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