What if I cash a check that may be a scam?

Question

I recieved a check VIA UPS for $2870. I know it may be a scam. I'm not a moron. They want me to send some of the money back to them. Yes, it's probably a scam. So anyways... if I cash the check and keep the money, and I do not send it back or spend it (at least for a month) will anything bad happen?

Answer 1

Well, the bank will not cash the check immediately; they will put a hold on the money until the check clears. BTW, this is a common scam and thanks for not being a moron.

Answer 2

You are looking at it the right way. The scam works only if you send them the money. You run little or no risk of you deposit the check, then wait a month to see what happens. I agree with the others that there is a huge chance (like, 99.99%!!!) the check will bounce, but so what? As long as you don't spend the money, or otherwise take it out of your account, you're fine. At worst, you might get a returned check fee of $20 or so.

Answer 3

If you weren't expecting the check, it is a scam, just put in the shredder.

Answer 4

Yes the check will bounce and the money will be taken out of your checking account when the check returns to your bank.  That will probably cause you to bounce everything.  Don't do it unless you are sure of what you are cashing.  Nothing is free and the bank is not going to say oh well I guess it was not your fault the check bounced.  You could probably ask the bank to send it through without taking out any cash and not credit it until it clears but the bank will probably s***w that up too.

Answer 5

Put that check in the shredder.  They want you to cash the check against your own bank account, send them the money, and then stop payment on the check from their own bank.  They get the money, and your bank takes it out of your account because the check is bad.