In addition to Mike-In-MD's correct answer, read this ... carefully!
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnwin0607/scams.html
Extract:
"In these cases, the depositor most likely will be held responsible for the entire amount of the fraudulent check."
Instead of cashing the check, or sending it back, take it and the envelope in which it came to the post office. They will use it as evidence and pursue the scammer.
I just received a check for $2,950 from extremes shoppers. The bank is Pueblo Bank & Trust in Colorado Springs. The phone number on the letter is 905-781-2937 and the return address on the envelope is from Barrie, Ont. I kind of figured a scam so I got online and found this site. Fraud investigator thanks for explaining how this works. I had no intention of cashing the check but I wasn't to clear on how they scam people with this. These people need to get off their lazy butts and get a real job.
I DIDNT RECIEVE A PHONE CALL FROM THEM I GOT A CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF 2990.00 REMITTED BY NO YUNG PAYABLE BANK IS FIVE STAR BANK NOT TO BE TRUSTED IS IT??
I DUNNO IM DOING SOME CHECKING AT THE MOMENT I WANT TO VERIFY THE BANK AND THE ACCOUNT NUMBER IT SEEMS TO BE TO GOOD TO BE TRUE WHY WOULD SOMEBODY GIVE YOU THE MONEY BEFORE DOING THE JOB IM VERY SKEPTICAL ABOUT THIS
Sir I recieved the same check on March 17,2009. Without thinking, and being in finacial stress, I deposited the check in my account. I only recieve SSI once a month. Now after the bank took that money I still owe $800.00. I really feel like the biggest fool. I don,t know if there is anyone I can contact anyone publicly to keep this from happenig to anyone else. My letter came from KENT,WA, telephone no. 1-905-598-5158. From Mr. Tim Walkers. Why can,t they catch these people?