I got a letter from HSBC last week, letting me know that: "In auditing our accounts, we have come to learn that we are missing information from your file. The USA Patriot Act requires that we maintain certain information in order to better know and serve out customers".

In order to "better know and serve me" they need:

Employer name, address and phone
Occupation
Source of income
Purpose of account
Expected account usage
From what countries will I receive funds transfers
What countries will I be transfering funds to
mothers maiden name

At first I thought this was a joke/scam, but I stopped into my local branch and was told they really did need the information. I explained I wasn't psychic, and couldn't predict where I might be spending or receiving funds. I've had my account with them for 27 years, do they really think I'll crack now and start laundering cash?

This may be an HSBC only thing though. I went to the credit union and showed them the letter. The branch manager just laughed and said she never heard of this.