To John Barrier, it wasn't the 60 cents, it was the principle. Barrier walked into his bank to cash a $100 check and then asked the receptionist to validate his parking ticket. Even after mentioning that he was a "substantial depositor," Barrier's request was refused. The receptionist explained that validation was only given for transactions involving a deposit.

Barrier felt his appearance—dirty construction clothes—contributed to his treatment. He thought the bank manager looked at him like he'd "crawled out from under a rock." Barrier contacted bank headquarters with his complaint. When no one returned his call, he started emptying his account, $1 million at a time.

According to Barrier, "If you have $100 in a bank or $1 million, I think they owe you the courtesy of stamping your parking ticket."