manderwrites: 2008-03-16

says:

Maybe I am wrong, but I take this more as a philosophical question than an actual situation - and it is a very interesting dichotomy as there is the immediate "ethic" of keeping a secret as opposed to the "ethic" of possibly staving off a crime by 'ratting out the secret' as it were.  My daughter did a whole paper on this subject in her UCLA Ethics class - the different thought process as it related to the serving of the many or the individual, and how to weigh the answer.  

     As for me - I would probably warn the bank that I had information about the attempted robbery - and then warn my friend that I had warned the bank - let him/her work it out for themselves - ethically, it covers all the bases.  :)  Amanda

Sveltie: 2008-03-16

says:

This is a "friend??" What are your values? Does that friend know? Listen to what you are saying...it sounds to me like you might think that ripping other people off could take precidence over your friendship. Sorry if you take offense at my bluntness, but have you considered how selfish that is to put your personal friendship ahead of all the friends, neighbors, and businesses that have their livelihoods invested in that bank?

Not to forget that robbing a bank is a federal offense. It is a federal offense for a reason. As a society, we have agreed that stealing is not in all of our best interest and it is so bad that it hurts more than just the individuals directly involved.

How else might this person get his/her needs met? As a friend, you might help in this way...and maybe enlist the help of others..and NOT keep this a secret.

Good luck, and I hope there is no bank heist in the works!!

Sveltie 

You're not alone

FAT DOG: 2008-03-14

says: I would be concerned this person is being referred to as a friend.  I would be converned that this person knew that little about me or my value system that they even remotely considered it safe to share such an idea.  I would advise them immediately where I stood on such things, and consider it an obligation that they be stopped from doing this or any other act of similar activity anywhere, anytime, period - if they are to remain an acquaintance.  They have a lot more work to do to earn the status of friendship.

Sasha499: 2008-03-14

says: Instead of telling the bank, have you considered convincing your friend that it is not a really good idea to rob the bank?  That would probably be the best thing to do, especially if you care about this person and what to be a true friend to them.  If they are desperately in need of money, maybe you could help them out or search for other, less criminal ways to obtain the funds.  I'll even add that robbing a bank is a federal offense and robbing a privately owned store is not so that the penalties will be less harsh, so that's a third option.  (Not recommending the third but if the first two don't work...)

moonshadow: 2008-03-14

says:

listen to your inner voice!!!!!!!!!!

Yes! 

seaside_barbie: 2008-03-11

says:

 I think it would be unethical to stand by and let it happen. I have been the victim of an armed hold-up. The experience never leaves you. If your friend/associate would do something like that, I would advise you strongly that you do NOT want them in your life in anyway.

firespirit: 2008-03-10

says:

 well,

  do you bank in that bank? Remember it is not our duty to be watch dogs and all things happen for a reason, do you know any really successful bank robbers? Perhaps the path of that person is to learn the lesson, or perhaps they told you, because they knew you were responible, and want to get caught. Do what Your inner voices tells you, and be blessed. fire

TimberAllen: 2008-03-10

says:

With what little info you gave, IMHO.  No. 

When in doubt, always do the right thing. 

The choice was already made, I would tell the bank...