Be Careful What You Ask For, Part 6

(A customer who doesn’t have an account wishes to cash a check drawn on the bank. However, because it’s a very large check, I am unable to complete the transaction without speaking to the maker of the check.)

Customer: *angry* “Give me something that says you can’t negotiate this check!”

Me: “I don’t have any kind of declined transaction form. Here’s your check back.”

(As I attempt to explain, the customer becomes more and more hostile.)

Customer: “I’d better speak to the vice president, or I’m calling the police!”

(I call the police.)

Me: “Okay, they’re on their way.”

Customer: *confused* “…who is?”

Me: “The police.”

Customer: *scared* “Wait, I didn’t say to call the police!”