How to deal with cheque that's not in my name

nkomp18

Hi all,

I have a question regarding a HRMC refund cheque I received in the post yesterday that is addressed to my ex flatmate who has moved abroad about a year ago.

He has no intention of coming back at the foreseeable future, he now lives permanently in Spain.

He asked me to deposit it and make a transfer to his account, which I am sure is not possible because the cheque is not in my name and I am certain that's not something the bank will allow. However, I do want to help my flatmate if possible.

Any ideas how to deal with such a situation?

alanq

"your payable order must be paid into an account held in your name —
we cannot make a repayment into the bank or building society account of a third party"

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419507/R40_Notes__2015_internet_v2.0.pdf

If your ex flatmate does not have a UK bank account into which the cheque can be deposited, post them the cheque and let them get it cleared through a Spanish one.

nkomp18

Okay thanks for the clarification.

[Deleted User]

nkomp18 wrote: »

He asked me to deposit it and make a transfer to his account

That on it's own smells of dodgy.

If he wants it that badly, he'll pay it into an account he holds in Spain, and take the hit on the international processing and negotiation fee.

Or if it's enough, he might even hop on an Easyjet flight, take it down to a cheque-cashing place, and do it that way.

Failing that, he'd have to write to HMRC and ask them to consider alternative payment methods.

redux

Some bank accounts can be opened online, though I don't know how many accept a foreign address.

If that's possible you could pay it in to his account at the local branch, then he transfers it once cleared.

Or perhaps he still has an old account that was not closed.