Victim of fraud and the bank is trying to stick it to me...?

Question

I recieved a $2,800 check and deposited it into my account where it posted to my account. I was supposed to moneygram the company back $2,400 and kept $400 for myself as per our agreement. Well, turns out the check they sent me was no good and now the bank is telling me that the $2,800 check was no good and they are telling me that I owe them $2,800 because I moneygrammed the company $2,400 and kept the $400. Shouldnt my bank take some fault for this? Please dont harp on me for my mistake, i feel stupid enough already. Any advice will be very appreciated.

Answer 1

It's true that you were scammed.  Don't feel stupid; this has happened  thousands of times to good people.   The bank agrees to accept a check based on the idea that there is cash to back it up.  If there isn't, you are responsible.  You essentially took $2400 dollars from the bank that didn't exist and they don't know if you were a part of the scam or a victim of it.  You must realize that the bank is providing you with a service and if you don't uphold your end of the bargain you can be held responsible.  Unfortunately, the bank isn't responsible for the trick that was played on you.  Perhaps if you can sit down with the manager and discuss it you may be able to work something out.  You MUST make a police report to help bolster your case with the bank.  Often times local law enforcement will have ongoing investigations into these types of scams in your area, as well.  

Answer 2

You owe the bank the $2400.

They are not responsible for your gullibility.

Because of your past history as a good customer, the bank gave you a temporary credit of the money.  If you read through your agreement with the bank, you understood when you opened the account that if the check was no good, they would reverse the credit and yes, you would owe the money back.

The only scenario where the bank (or western union or moneygram) would be liable is if you waltzed in, shouting that you'd received a $2800 check in the mail to be a mystery shopper and that you'd be sending almost all of the money to an unknown "agent" via western union/moneygram the next day.  This is a very well known scam and had they known what you were planning to do, maybe they would have been able to tell you.

Answer 3

OK, I won't harp on you for your mistake but I will ask one question

WHY should the bank some fault for this?

Answer 4

no as they have no idea when you make a deposit that the funds are good. You got scammed and that is sad but you were expecting free money. you know better than that

Answer 5

Im not harping but even I have heard of this scam, why would you not wait until the check cleared before you money grammed the money. Wow..... I cant believe this scam actually works.