Not so much about ML as about suspicious transactions. AML classes don't have sections how to discern innocent manufactured spending. We are not the fish folks are after, just the bycatch.:cool:

Yes, but every time a cashier/manager denies me they throw money laundering in my face like it's the end all be all. They usually bring up fraud too, but I'm not sure how I can commit fraud with my CC matching my ID unless they're both fake I guess.

Ummm...you think just the Mossad, CIA and NSA folk are the only ones running around with fake IDs and credit cards? Ever wonder why the banks often require additional identity checks when opening accounts with a DL and SS#?

If I had a dollar for everyone in the US with a faked ID and Social Security Number I would retire from retiring on MS.:cool:

I suppose... I just figured any of the bigger fish weren't wasting their time at WM/Target loading cards.

With the rampant CC fraud in CA (and everywhere) I expect one day to be told "cash only" at my local Safeway buying groceries. OTOH, my Simon mall answers the phone, "Simon Malls, home of the Simon gift card!" Wonder if they get a percentage of any card *spent* in the mall? Who else besides MSers would buy these cards except for b'day gifts or Xmas?

I think that Simon GC manager has shut me down. I haven't done a lot of volume there. Maybe 4 cards ever 2-3 weeks over the past 2-3 months. However, when I tried to purchase some last week, the manager told the cashier that I had to fill out some paperwork so she could find out the limit. I went back in a couple of days ago and the cashier called her to find out the outcome. All she was told was no. The cashier couldn't explain why to me. I kept asking questions and she just kept shaking her head. She gave me the manager's contact info. I called immediately and no answer. I haven't had a chance to try again.

No idea why they shut me down. I know that there was an issue before where she told me that I couldn't use an AMEX GC, not even personalized. But I haven't tried that since then. This was a legit credit card so why would they turn down $2k of business?!?

Guessing:
They don't want to fill out paperwork on you (sars or suspicious activity)

Just FYI....
SAR stands for "Suspicious Activity Report"

Possibly...I feel like they are discriminating against me. They assume that a young woman can't afford $2k a pop gift cards (though how I pay my bills is my business as long as I use a real credit card with matching ID.) But they also know where I work and anyone know that knows the area knows that it's not a local minimum wage job... But I'll call the manager probably later today so she can tell me.

The forum shops at Caesers palace in Las Vegas is a Simon mall. They ask you to fill the generic form with address and phone number. And the limit is $10K per day. If anyone's flying this way, get some.

The north and south premium outlets are simon malls too.

Actually heard the kiosk attendant at my mall in flyover country answer the phone that way. I wonder if they get a cut of the swipe fee.

The form you fill out at a Simon mall is a Cash Transaction Log (CTL). Companies have discretion about how large a transaction they record with a CTL, but $1000 is the minimum of the range and if they aren't filing one for transactions $3000 and larger, they can get in trouble.

An SAR is a Suspicious Activity Report. Financial organizations are required by law to send one to FinCen when something smells like fraud, money laundering or other criminal activity.

Simon Malls is a real estate management company, not a financial institution. They don't file SARs.

I'm guessing Simon probably does a CTL form at $1000 at the behest of the card issuer.

I doubt it's discrimination. Never underestimate the laziness of Americans these days, even those with super simple jobs.

I asked if I could buy lower denominations and was still told no.

Sometimes people are jerks and are mean to everyone. I've come across several people like this. Everyone in line before me gets attitude from the same jerk. I've learned to go to a different cashier if possible.