1. You can cache your UC pretty easily while you're at work. @(you need an account to see links) can give you the deets if she's feeling generous
2. Legit UCs are easier because the person who sells it can vouche for you since it is technically theirs. Inactives are still pretty save. Abandoned accounts usually don't come back and raise a stink over their pets because they've already been gone a whole year.
3. I'd say stick it on a side and let it cache there, then gift it to yourself and say you've been holding it for a friend on hiatus and you want to put it on your main for safe keeping. It's cached to you anyhoo and as long as you're admitting to babysitting it, i've never had a problem with that excuse. Don't make it a big deal. If anyone asks, "Yeah, it's my RL's UC. She's on a hiatus and i promised to hold him until she gets back. It's not mine "