Tenant demands I return security deposit to their Bank account

[Nate Palmer]

My tenant moved out and won't provide a forwarding address as they say they left the country. They are requesting that I go to their bank and give their bank the security deposit to the account number they have provided. 

My understanding is that I am required by law to return the security deposit by person or by mail to their forwarding address. I am concerned that there is something unusual going on, that I will deposit the funds and then they claim that they never received them or something odd like that. Something just doesn't feel right about the situation.

What would you do?

Nate

(Property is in NJ)

[Nathan Gesner]

New Jersey statutes 46:8-21.1 Return of deposit; displaced tenant; termination of lease; civil penalties, certain. Within 30 days after the termination of the tenant's lease or licensee's agreement, the owner or lessee shall return by personal delivery, registered or certified mail...

I would tell the tenant, in writing, that you will return it in accordance with NJ law once they provide a forwarding address. Then hold it and wait.