So, an IRS Special Agent just stopped by...
 

No, not a Revenue Officer, a Special Agent… you know, the ones with the guns an handcuffs? He stopped by my house, unannounced, to ask me some questions about some banking transactions which have come to their attention. For the past few years I have been using our favorite miles-earning debit card to purchase money orders at our favorite retailer. Apparently depositing “several hundred thousand dollars” over the past year does seem to catch someone’s attention.

Once I explained the basics of what I was doing and why, the matter appeared to be resolved in a few minutes – it was clear I was not laundering money, which is their concern of course. In fact, the Special Agent’s response was that they are seeing this (debit cards with money orders) “more and more these days”. The IRS agent did even mention to me that the T&C of the debit card do not allow for MO – the T&C didn’t use to, but apparently it does now.

YMMV...

At least he knocked!

I think you mean to say CID

Since when did he become an employee of that bank ?

Did you take a picture of him?

Were you depositing over 10k at a time?

No, typically $5k to $8k; never over $10k. But always in an ATM.

A picture? No. Why? I did get a business card.

I think IRS is also triggered by multiple payments in aggregate over $10,000, and not just single transactions in excess of $10,000. E.g., see: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-...0000-Form-8300

AFAIK, Special Agents always visit in pairs. What title was on the business card?

Was there ever a definitive answer on whether a money order was considered cash, or check as I've seen both argued?

I would have used my right to remain silent.

Dude, your thinking of Sith Lords. Always two, a master and an apprentice.

ChurnandBurn I hope you gave ZERO personal info to this dude, I think u were 100% phished!

I semi-agree in concept. But in this case I would be very forthcoming. I don't like hiring attorneys for no reason. Or going downtown to be grilled.