What is the best course of action if a runner brings in a deposit bag and requests the account balance?

The best course of action is to request identification and confirm the runner's authorization. This approach ensures that customer privacy and security are upheld, which is critical in banking. Verifying the identity of anyone requesting account information helps prevent unauthorized access and potential fraud. In this scenario, the bank teller must ensure the runner is duly authorized to access the account information before providing any details. This measures align with regulatory compliance requirements and reinforce the importance of protecting customer data.

While providing the balance without verification might seem convenient, it poses a significant risk of disclosing sensitive account information to an unauthorized individual. Directing the runner to the account holder for balance inquiries also does not address the need for the teller to verify who they are dealing with at the moment. Refusing to provide any information about the account would be excessive if proper verification can occur. Thus, confirming the runner's authorization through identification strikes the right balance between efficiency and security in customer service.