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.
The check is FAKE. FAKE. The idea is to get you to deposit it & forward by CASH wire transfer service money to someone else. The check bounces & you have a lot of problems.
I also responded to a job listing on Craigslist for an administrative assistant to someone who is an Eco-sculptor known internationally. When they email me at the end asked to verify my full name, home address, and phone number. Then today I recieve an over-night check from Mountain America Credit Union, saying its from Lauren Allen. And I just got an email from "Paul Stone" regarding the check, that is was sent Fed-ex overnight. He addressed me to take out my $600 pay and sent the rest via western Union! Hasn't given an address but I'm going to go along with it to see what address he gives. Definitely fraudulent!!!
I just received a check with the mountain America credit union on it, same info as yours. My check was for $2,400. I was emailed by "Paul Stone" to keep my $600 and send the rest via western union. It was to help a charity. Taking it to my local police department!
Same thing just happen to me I was notified by money gram that this was problem a fraud, unfortunately I am going to be in slight debt for being naive and believing this was real. After money gram contacted me I looked this Paul S Stone up and it lead me to all kind of ads he's posted and this web site. I wish I'd have done this earlier... I also reported it to http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx they work with the FBI to try and stop Internet scams. Any one els who has been misled by Paul S Stone on Craigslist for personal ast. Try and report it also maybe we can help put a stop to his scams!!
Hey I replied to the same post or add on Craig's list and just a check over night from lauren hill and mountain America federal credit union, a cashier's check for 2,450.00
The check looks legit but its fake. Its fraud