Originally Posted by
carterd
The $10,000 rule was actually drawn from Federal law prohibiting carrying more than $10,000 in cash or negotiable instruments into or out of the U.S. -- it is derived from money laundering legislation associated with the Bank Secrecy Act.
Originally Posted by
Centurion210
Leaving the US with large amounts of cash or negotiable monetary instruments of $10,000 or more is illegal and subject to seizure.
Absolutely wrong. It is illegal to carry more than $10,000 in or out of the country
without declaring it by filling out the appropriate form. It most certainly is not illegal to transport $10,000 or $10 million anywhere under U.S. law.
Originally Posted by
carterd
Confronting the TSO will only cause more grief. If you want to get through fast, simply give a logical explanation -- I'm giving the money to a son/daughter to help with them with a down payment ona house; I'm hoping to buy (some expensive gift) for a spouse; My credit cards were stolen and I'm using the money for travel expenses, etc. If you have time and want to challenge the TSO's authority on this, call a supervisor and/or LEO.
Sure -- just surrender your constitutional rights. It's a lot easier.
My god, what has this country come to?
No one is required to tell a TSO
anything. TSOs have no power to compel responses. TSOs have no power to detain or arrest -- they can only deny you access to the sterile area. Remember, "do you want to fly today?"
If a TSO demands that you answer his questions, either say nothing, respond, "none of your business," or walk away.
If a TSO attempts to detain you, call a policeman and have him arrested for false imprisonment.
If a TSO touches you without permission, call a policeman and have him arrested for battery.
If a TSO tries to take your cash on the theory that it is contraband, take it back. If the TSO puts up a physical struggle, call a policeman and have him arrested for robbery.
Enough, already. The only legal authority given to TSOs is to conduct a
voluntary search, i.e. one to which you have voluntarily submitted by presenting yourself at the WTMD. TSOs have no police powers whatsoever.
When in doubt, call a policeman. Unlike TSOs, policemen are there to protect you from wrong-doers, and have a variety of police powers, including that of arrest, at their disposal.