I would consider filing a SAR if a customer changed a transaction to avoid filing a CTR. But, if a customer just asks questions about what would or wouldn't require a CTR, would you file a SAR?

Did he do any transactions after asking the questions? If he did and you consider them to be suspicious in light of the questions, I would consider filing a SAR. Either way, I suggest that you monitor his activity for a period of time.

Remember, there are thresholds that have to be met for a transaction to be reportable. If there was no transaction that met the threshold, then you have no obligation to file a report. I agree with devsfan - monitor the account to see what happens next.

If the customer first intends to transact more than $10K and then changes his/her mind when it becomes apparent a CTR will be filed, I ALWAYS file a SAR.

This is strutuiring to avoid, no question.

Will anything be done? Probably not unless there are other reports involving the same customer.

This story gets better. Originally the customer asked at his home branch what the reporting threshold was and if check deposits would also trigger reporting. Then 2 days later he deposited a large check from a Title company, so I thought, OK that is why he was interested. Today I get a report from another branch that the same customer was in their office asking what the cash amount was for reporting and if he withdrew there, would his home branch know about it. I will definately be watching his account.