Robert
Irvine,#2Consumer Comment
Thu, November 20, 2008
If this "place" you cashed the check at was a check cashing place they can be a lot less forgiving than a regular bank. Not that the bank would still not require you to pay them back, but the check cashing place may actually go straight to a suit or try to file check fraud charges(because you did present the check as valid). You seem to have an existing relationship with this place so that may help you. Hopefully you did not spend the other $2,000. Immediatly return that money(or what ever is left) to the place that cashed the check explaining the situation. Make sure you have a receipt to show you at least paid that amount back. Then talk to them about arrangements you can make to pay the remaining amount back. If you go to them and are up front with them they may be willing to work with you. The worst thing you can do is avoid this because it will get worse if you do. You can attempt to try and find out who cashed it, but in the end you won't. As you found out they are in Canada and do this all of the time. They are long gone not leaving any way to trace them.
Wayne
Devereux,#3Consumer Comment
Thu, November 20, 2008
Unfortunately, your bank will also come after you when they find out the original check isn't any good. Contact your bank immediately and explain your situation.Best of luck.
Inspector
Tobyhanna,#4Consumer Comment
Thu, November 20, 2008
I find it amazing that anyone still falls for this scam, especially since you have access to the internet. There are no up-front fees for winnings. Taxes are taken out of the winnings. Of course the check looks real, anyone can make a check that looks authentic. There is not much you can do, maybe postal fraud? But, you may need copies of the check and envelope it came in.