account for a friend

[beattie819]

Can anyone advise me as to whether one can open a bank or building society savings account for someone else. I want to help a friend out, with a little bit of money, as she is having a hard time. She would say she couldnt take money from me, so if I could just open one and then tell her, the deed would be done !
Thank you.

[Rollo]

I don't think so.

To open an account you have to prove who you are to satisfy the anti-money laundering regulations. You can't prove you are somebody else.

[Schutzengel]

beattie. You could put some money in an envelope and pop it through your friend's door. No message inside the envelope. On the outside of the envelope you could put 'A gift from someone who wishes you well', or 'A gift from a friend'. Then when she tells you about it, you just completely deny all knowledge of it. That way you have done your good deed, and your friend has kept her dignity.
All she needs to know is that somebody cares about her.
She is very lucky to have a true friend like you. Best wishes.

[dzug]

It's sort of possible - but you will need ID for your friend and she will need to sign the forms, which defeats your purpose. She wouldn't have to visit the bank herself though.

[beattie819]

Thank you for your response.
I think I will have to persuade her to take a cheque , and go with her to sort an account out. She has two sons who are spongers, so I cant risk them getting their hands on any cash.
Thanks again.