Cashing an American check in Morocco? Sketchy??

Question

Hi. I did a study abroad program this summer in Morocco. The school turned out to be really sketchy.

I personally gave them a check as tuition payment. I made it out to the name of the school like they originally told me. When I went to give them the check, they asked me to scribble on the check and change the name to the director's husband.

I refused because 1) that's weird, and 2) you can't scribble on the same check and then submit it to a bank with another name on it.

I ended up giving them the check. Now they are emailing me, and they want to know my bank's address to cash it.

Is it necessary for them to know my bank's address in order to cash my check in Morocco? (it's an American check). I don't think it is, and I do not want to provide this information, but I'm not sure about Morocco's exact procedures.

does anyone know?

(also I want to emphasize that Morocco is a beautiful country and most of the people I met there are great. just not this sketch school!!)

Answer 1

Please tell us the name of the school so we can be sure to let others know.

You can change a name on a check if you initial it, though not a typical thing to do.

It sounds kind of sketchy but doing things abroad with American Checks or money orders can often be a sketchy thing, even in places like Europe. A lot of times they do things very differently than us.

I do however think this is not a good situation. I will star it though because I'm not 100% sure as I have never used a typical American check in this way - I've only used official bank checks when required (they happened to include the address and were the type of check required to make a payment to the school in France.

Answer 2

It is odd that they accepted the American check in the first place. I studied at a language school in Fes, it was a few years ago, but I'm pretty sure I paid by credit card. I don't think there is any tax evasion going on here.... Morocco does not work like the U.S. when it comes to taxation. Also, I do find it odd that they would need the address of your bank, is it not already printed on your check? If not, it should be.

I wouldn't take this as anything odd. I've been there and lived with a Moroccan friend and his family for a few months and I do have to say that they are not raised with the same strict rules and ways as we are when it comes to business. We have very strict guidelines for doing everything here, but they just wing it as life flows. They are much more laid back and "go with the flow" kinda people.

Answer 3

You cannot cash an American bank check of any kind in Morocco. You should have paid them with an international money order.

But that aside, here's why they wanted it changed to the husband: Because he probably has an American bank account with which he can change the check. Admittedly, he should have explained that to you, and have you write a new check (you're right about the scribbling), but it is necessary for them to know your banks address if they're doing a remote transfer from your bank to theirs in the States.

The Moroccan dirham is a restricted currency which makes it extremely difficult for bank transfers.

You should tell us the school though (send me a private message), many of us are involved with the country and would like to warn people if this truly is a bad school.

Answer 4

Give them the banks address. It can't hurt.

Answer 5

I smell a rat.
There is something fishy going on that school which certainly will have some problems with local taxman (tax avoidance).
Unfair school direction!