Comment Re:Fraud by bank employees is nothing new (Score 1) 272
This isn't as black and white as it might seem. Had the cheques that were deposited in your brother's account cleared through the other bank? Are there any limitations in the amounts he can deposit?
There are restrictions in place in most banks to prevent fraud. I'm sure the vast majority of people are trustworthy enough to handle themselves without limitation. Except what happens when the cheque you deposit is fraudulent and the other bank refuses to put it through and you've already spent all that money? That's right, unlimited liability for unlimited transactional freedom...except that (at least in Canada) the bank is primarily responsible for negative account balances where credit isn't signed for. The bank has no recourse but to file legal charges and it really doesn't end well for anybody.
As for the fees, banks are always looking to increase their profits. However, there are ways around paying any fees (visa for day to day transactions not using the teller etc.), you just have to be smart about it and devise a workable strategy within the banks line of products. If they can't offer you anything feasible, be a good consumer and refuse to bank there. You may even get fees waived for a year.