Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
I provide cleaning services and was contacted by a gentlemen saying he needs to have his apartment cleaned before returning to the US. He sent a check in my name so I cashed it. I repeatedly asked him for the location of his apartment so I could complete the cleaning, he continued to put it off. He later emailed me informing me to wire money out of state, which seemed odd so I didn’t. Was it illegal in any way to cash the check?
It sounds like you were the victim of a check cashing scam. These usually work where someone instructs you to deposit a check (fraudulent check) into your personal account and then send them a money order. These people count on you forwarding them the money before you or the bank realizes the check is fake, leaving you to pay the amount of money you withdrew and sent to the person who contacted you. While it is illegal to knowingly present a fake check to a bank, it sounds like you were the victim here and your actions while illegal (strictly speaking) are defensible. The best thing to do is contact the bank you present the check to ASAP and let them know of the situation; it’s important to be forthcoming and do your best to resolve this issue. In the future, you should avoid any offers like this, or others that seem “too good to be true†or “easy money.â€
